This is for the host who believes the apéritif should arrive with a wink.

Maison Balzac’s Prawn Plate turns a simple serving ritual into a tiny bit of theatre, with two glass shrimps poised at either end of its clear oval form. Made entirely from borosilicate glass, it has a light, playful presence on the table without tipping into novelty. At 20.5 by 10.5 cm, it is neatly sized for olives, nuts, or a few very good bites.

Keep it close for drinks-hour duty, or give it as a hostess gift to someone who appreciates dinnerware with a sense of humour.