Glass etiquette rules: how to use drinking glasses right

Glass etiquette is a set of guidelines for using drinking glasses correctly. These guidelines aid in avoiding actions that may offend hosts, visitors or present an impolite impression. If you are hosting, remember to put the glasses on your dining table according to proper protocol. If you are a visitor or are drinking in a social setting, follow the guidelines for using glasses properly.

Set the glasses in accordance with table etiquette: Place the glasses just above the place for the plate and the knives on the top right side of each setup. Tumblers for water and soft drinks, and wine glasses for wine, are the customary drinking vessels during meals. Remember that glasses must be spotlessly clean and that you must deliver a clean glass for each beverage you are serving if you are the host.

Only one beverage should be consumed per glass: You should only put one kind of beverage in each glass. Large tumblers are the best glasses for drinking water. For wine, use stemmed glasses. Red wine requires larger glasses with a wider belly. Smaller ones for rosé or white wine. The smallest glasses are used for liquors or dessert wines.

Stemmed glasses should be held by the stem: Hold wine glasses and flutes by the stem to prevent accidentally warming the wine with your hand.

Fill glasses to the proper level: Avoid overfilling glasses. Water and soft drink glasses should be slightly over half full as a matter of protocol. It is customary to fill wine glasses somewhat more than three-quarters full. Be especially cautious when drinking. If you put too much alcohol in someone’s glass, it can appear that you’re trying to make them intoxicated. To avoid crossing someone when bringing drinks to other guests, serve from that person’s right side. The bottle or container shouldn’t make contact with the glass when pouring liquids.

Drinking while chewing food is not advised: You ought to eat or drink. Avoid executing both at once. Drink just after you’ve finished all of your food. Don’t drink to accompany your meal. The alternative is poor table manners. Make sure your lips aren’t greasy or oily before drinking to prevent leaving a trace on the glass. You can use your napkin to subtly and gently pat your lips. Try to keep your lips away from the glass if you are using lip balm or lipstick. Before beginning the meal, think about removing your lipstick. Use your fingers in a similar manner. Before touching your glass, wash your fingers if you have recently touched food.