Shopping: Mad Thing

IF, POOR darling thing, the hassles of finding a decent glass to sip your champagne from are just too much to bear and the thought of swigging from a bottle disgusts you, then take yourself off to Asprey and Garrard (0171-493 6767) in London.

A sterling silver straw, designed with just the right length and bend for a handbag size quarter bottle of Laurent-Perrier champagne, could be the very thing you need.

Bought with the quarter bottle of Laurent-Perrier, the straw costs pounds 60. But if one straw is not enough, the straws can be bought as a pack of four for pounds 240.