Glassware
Glassware
The right glass makes a genuine difference to how a drink feels to enjoy, and to how a table looks when guests are seated. All sets here come as four pieces, covering the most common occasions from a relaxed glass of wine to a proper champagne toast.
Which type of glass do you need?
Each glass type is designed around the drink it's intended for, and the differences are more practical than they might first appear. Shape affects how aromas develop, how quickly a drink warms, and how the liquid reaches your palate. Choosing the right glass for what you actually drink and serve most often is the simplest way to get the most out of this category.
Wine glasses
Wine glasses have a tall bowl with gently curved walls that allow the wine to breathe and concentrate its aromas before each sip. A good all-purpose wine glass works well for both red and white, making it the most practical choice if you want one set that covers most situations. They also double up as water glasses at the table, which keeps things simple when setting for a crowd.
Champagne flutes
Flutes have a tall, narrow bowl that preserves the carbonation in sparkling wine, keeping the bubbles finer and more persistent for longer. The elongated shape also makes them easy to hold without warming the drink with your hand. They're the natural choice for a classic champagne toast or for serving prosecco and cava.
Champagne saucers
Saucers, sometimes called coupes, have a wide and shallow bowl that gives them a distinctly retro character. They're less practical than flutes for preserving bubbles, but they look striking on the table and suit cocktails and lighter sparkling drinks just as well as champagne. If presentation is a priority, saucers are hard to beat.
Martini glasses
Martini glasses have a conical bowl on a slender stem, designed to keep cocktails chilled while showing off the drink inside. The wide rim allows for easy garnishing and gives each glass a sharp, elegant profile. They work well for any stirred or shaken cocktail, not just martinis.
Does the colour of the glass matter?
Transparent glass is the most classic and versatile choice, letting the colour and clarity of the drink speak for itself. Pink and grey-tinted glasses have a more decorative quality and work particularly well at a styled table where the glassware is part of the overall look. Tinted options can also add a subtle elegance to simpler table settings where the rest of the crockery is understated.