The 10 Best Beverage Tubs

Do your friends become rowdy after a few drinks? Then you can't trust them around fancy dishware and should get the Prodyne Big Square (about $25). It's made from styrene, which is difficult to damage, and is transparent, so you know when it needs to be refilled.

Cleaning up after the festivities is always a drag. To make your life just a little easier, the Igloo 20-Quart (around $26) has a handy drain plug. It's leak resistant, so you won't need to worry about dangerous puddles, and has an elevated base to keep cold items off warm surfaces.

Those who require that sophistication shows in every detail of their affair will appreciate the brushed steel finish on the BirdRock Home Round (about $117). It's a simple and elegant choice that won't distract people from the pricey, vintage wines you put in it.

When you're throwing a good old-fashioned hoedown, you want the rustic and understated TableCraft Oval (around $20). It's made from galvanized steel and built like a tank, meaning you can take it to those outdoor affairs that often get out of hand.

If you're hosting a formal event and want something a bit more elegant than a plastic bucket, consider the Artisan Steel Chiller (around $163). It can hold enough drinks to ensure your guests stay topped up through the long toasts you made your parents swear they wouldn't give.

Maybe throwing soirees isn't your thing, but you've been talked into it and hate the idea of purchasing something for one-time use. If that sounds like you, then luckily the Behrens 3-OV (around $40) also makes a wonderful planter when the party is over.

If you are seeking an anniversary gift for the couple that enjoys perfectly chilled white wines, you might consider the Wooden Trough by Cathy's Concepts (appx. $169). It is engraved with your choice of a single letter to represent the last name of the recipients.

Holding 17 gallons, these Homz Plastic Utility Tubs (around $30) may not be the most handsome option, but they're relatively inexpensive and a cinch to store, since they nest together well. They come in packs of two and four, so you can be ready for large events.

The Moon Boat Inflatable Tray (appx. $14) is more shallow than most, but that means your guests won't have to dig too far to find what they're looking for. You can also use it to create a cold salad bar nearly anywhere, helping to ensure that the vegetable dip doesn't go bad.

The CreativeWare Party (about $22) gives you versatility, as its simple shape and practical handles make it great for holding everything from ice to children's toys. And there are plenty of colors to choose from, so you can match it to your event's theme or your home's decor.