The Oyster Bar

For a little theater, open the champagne with a Berti saber, a tradition known as sabrage, born in the Napoleonic era when French cavalry officers were said to celebrate their victories by striking the tops from champagne bottles with their swords. 

Pour the bubbly into antique engraved Reijmyre champagne flutes, exquisite examples of Swedish glassmaking from a storied glassworks whose creations once graced the tables of Swedish royalty.

The oysters deserve an equally distinguished presentation. Vintage Old World oyster plates, collected for their beautiful glazes, sculptural wells, and history, make each serving a pleasure to behold. 

Leitner's anthracite linen napkins introduce a handsome texture that complements the oyster's naturally weathered shell, while Sabre Paris Icone cocktail forks in festive red add a welcome touch of Christmas color.

The holiday season also calls for caviar, served with the same attention to tradition and presentation as the oysters. A William Yeoward crystal caviar dish brings the brilliance of hand-cut crystal to the table, its intricate detailing particularly beautiful beside antique oyster plates and engraved champagne flutes.

With oysters freshly shucked, caviar on ice, and champagne flowing, the oyster bar invites guests to linger, indulge, and enjoy the pleasures of a holiday gathering where tradition and good company are equally celebrated.