As I’ve gotten older, I’ve realised just how much good glassware can elevate a home. And I don’t just mean the kind you bring out for an expensive bottle of wine or a dinner party. Even a really great water glass is something I’ve come to genuinely appreciate.
You’ve likely seen the TikTok trend where someone announces they’re trying to be chill, only to be handed an ugly wine glass and then suddenly remember exactly who they are. Well, as much as I hate to admit it, I relate all too well.
The Best Glassware, According To marie claire:
Needless to say, when birthdays or special occasions roll around, great glassware is always high on my gifting list—both to give and receive. But good glassware is about more than simply looking beautiful on the table.
The right glass needs enough weight to feel sturdy in your hand (and not like it’s about to topple over), while still feeling delicate enough that it doesn’t interfere with the experience of drinking your chosen wine or cocktail.
All of which is to say, there is a fine science to choosing the right glassware. Add style, personality and the small matter of making everything work together on your table, and suddenly you’ve got a full-blown tablescaping dilemma on your hands.
So, to save you from having to navigate it all yourself, here’s my (mostly) tried-and-tested edit of the best glassware to buy right now.
Read: Fashion Girls Know A Good Tablescape Is Just As Important As A Good Outfit
Wine Glasses
Whether you prefer something traditional or with a little more personality, a good set of wine glasses will never go astray. Some people like to have separate glasses for red, white and Champagne, while others are perfectly happy pouring any wine into, well, any glass.
Regardless of where you stand, these four wine glass options all have one thing in common: they’re gorgeous. They have just the right amount of weight in the hand, are lovely to drink from and won’t look out of place on your table—whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply having a glass at home.
GEORG JENSEN
Sky White Wine (6)
PLUMM
Everyday The Sparkling Glass (4)
RIEDEL
Vinum Burgundy Red Glass (4)
CADEAU STUDIOS
Cin Cin Wine Glasses (2)
Water Glasses
Water glasses, tumblers or highballs—whatever you prefer to call them—are essentially a broad category of very simple drinking vessels. So why not add a little personality?
There are plenty of colourful and playful options, like Maison Balzac, that still manage to be practical. If you prefer something more traditional and universally appealing, the Country Road set is a wonderful option—and is currently 25 per cent off, if you happen to appreciate a good discount.
MAISON BALZAC
Medium Pomponette Gobelets (2)
SOPHIE LOU JACOBSEN
Glass Cups (4)
VUE
Icon Tumbler Olive (2)
COUNTRY ROAD
Viola Highball (2)
Cocktail Glasses
I personally love a fun cocktail glass, and if you saw my kitchen cupboards, bar cart and display cabinets around my dining room, you’d know the proof is very much in the pudding. Over the years, I’ve collected my fair share of Maison Balzac and Fazeek cocktail glasses, and can confirm that they perform just as great as they look.
They also tend to become a talking point once the drinks are poured, particularly when they’re a little more unexpected than your standard coupe or tumbler. If you’re going to make a cocktail, you may as well give it a glass with some personality.
TEMPA
Anthea Martini Glass (2)
FAZEEK
Tiptoe Coupes (2)
MAISON BALZAC
Nick & Nora Glasses (2)
&KLEVERING
Coupe Curve (2)
Coloured Glasses
If you’re something of a glassware traditionalist, adding coloured glass to your collection is an easy way to shake things up—if you want to, of course. Whether you’re setting the table for a dinner party where white and neutrals won’t quite cut it, or simply want something with a little more personality, these brands offer plenty of colour without compromising on practicality.
The thing I love about coloured glassware is that it can be easily mixed and matched with other wine or cocktail glasses that you already have, so there is no need to go and buy a large amount. Just a few glasses in a few shades is enough to liven up your table.
COUNTRY ROAD
Paloma Coupe (2)
HOUSE OF NUNU
Belly Cups (4)
VUE
Two Tone Flute Set (2)
ECOLOGY
Kaia Tumblers (4)
Textured Glasses
For a little more personality, textured glassware is an easy place to start. The interesting shapes and finishes add visual interest to any table, whether you’re serving cocktails at the bar or water alongside dinner, and make even the most everyday drink feel a little more considered.
I will say, however, that as much as I love my textured glassware, some designs can be slightly tricky to drink from at certain angles. If the rim of your glass isn’t a traditional circular shape, you may need to pay a little more attention to where you’re sipping—particularly after a couple of drinks.
FAZEEK
Wave Coupes (2)
MAISON BALZAC
Perle Baroque Wine Glasses (4)
SOPHIE LOU JACOBSEN
Ripple Glasses (4)
KIP&CO
Milos Luncheon Stalk Wine Glass (2)
Different wines benefit from different glass shapes. According to Wine Selectors, white wine is generally best served in a glass with a long stem and a small-to-medium bowl, which helps preserve the wine’s aromas and temperature.
Red wine, meanwhile, is typically better suited to a larger bowl, giving the wine more room to breathe. There are also subtle differences between Bordeaux and Burgundy-style glasses, with each shape designed to complement different red wine varieties.
While the traditional Champagne flute remains a popular choice, tulip-shaped glasses are also well suited to sparkling wine. Their elongated shape helps the bubbles travel upwards while concentrating the wine’s aromas.
Stemless wine glasses are a modern, durable option and have become increasingly popular for everyday drinking and entertaining.
The main thing to keep in mind is that your hands will naturally warm the wine when you hold the bowl. For this reason, try to avoid cupping the bowl for too long—particularly with chilled wines.
Many modern glassware brands are more durable than ever, and some are even dishwasher-safe. However, when it comes to your nicest or most delicate pieces, hand washing is still a safe bet.
Wash glassware with warm, soapy water, rinse thoroughly and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth to help prevent water marks and streaks. It’s also best to avoid abrasive scrubbers, which can scratch the surface of the glass.
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