Buyer’s Guide
Glassware.
Whether your entertaining style is formal or casual, no festive table is complete without beautiful glassware. “Glasses add personality to any gathering and can be a real talking point around the table,” says Claire Driscoll, creative director at Studio CD. “If they’re well chosen and cared for, they will also become cherished heirlooms.”
Glassware may also enhance the taste of a tipple. “The right glass can improve your experience of the aromatics, mouth feel and flavour,” says Mark Evangelista, assistant brand manager at Plumm. Experts agree that shape is all-important. “Champagne is best served in a slender, tulip-shaped glass to allow the aroma to fully develop. A narrow top helps retain the effervescence,” says Katerina Dominguez, marketing manager at Noritake Australia. “Red wine should be enjoyed in a glass with a wider bowl to allow it to breathe and the flavours to mellow; stemmed glasses for white wine will help keep the contents cool.”
Sifting your way through the many styles of glasses on offer can be confusing, but you can simplify the process by focusing on your needs, says Evangelista. “Thinking about the styles of wines you enjoy at home will help you choose the right glasses. Where you tend to drink – at the dining table, on the sofa or poolside – can also influence your choice. If cupboard space is at a premium, start with one style you really love.”
Glass is the main choice of material. “It’s infinitely adaptable,” says Lia Colusso, marketing manager at Villeroy & Boch. Crystal costs more than glass as it’s considered a luxurious material. “It also produces a melodious ‘clink’ when toasting,” says Izabela Turlewicz, product manager at Waterford. Crystalline – a relatively new material – looks and feels luxurious, but costs less than crystal. “It’s stronger than glass too,” adds Colusso.
Quality can vary. “Choose a product that has been designed for functionality and not just aesthetics,” advises Mark Baulderstone, managing director of Riedel Australia and New Zealand. “The highest-quality stemware is made from lead-free crystal with no impurities, which can result in cloudiness over time. The glass should also feel evenly weighted in your hand,” he says.
Individuality is at the heart of current glassware trends. “I saw beautiful amber and green glassware at the recent Maison et Objet fair in Paris,” says Driscoll. “Wineglasses were short-stemmed with fine rims, while water glasses featured detailing around the base.” Textured glassware is becoming more popular, according to Colusso. “It catches the light, creating a pretty shimmer.”
“DON’ T BE AFRAID TO MIX AND MATCH PIECES FROM DIFFERENT SETS WHEN HOSTING A CROWD .” LI AC OL USS O,VILLEROY&BOCH
Luxe metallic touches are no longer limited to the rims, says Turlewicz.
“It’s now being applied to the foot of the glass or the bowl itself. Pearlescent glassware is also having a moment.”
Specialist glassware is also on the rise, according to Renata Puz, head of product at HAG Imports. “With the boom in craft-spirit distilling, glasses that make the best of those drinks are trending.”
Meanwhile, bolder colours and tactile finishes are the go-to for casual dining, says Dominguez. Stemless styles are ideal for outdoor entertaining. “They’re great for picnics or if you’re short on storage,” adds Baulderstone.
For a well-stocked bar, you’ll want a selection of flutes, white- and red-wine glasses, tumblers and cocktail glasses, says Dominguez. Be sure to have a couple of spares on hand in case of accidents and impromptu guests, says Evangelista.