Seven Glassware Classics for Every Modern Home

 A collection of quality glassware is a timeless investment that can serve both practical and aesthetic purposes for years, if not decades.

Glassware is intentionally made with precision and elegance. The right glass or bowl can also really enhance the flavour, texture, colour of the drink or dish and the overall experience.

Here, we explore seven essential pieces of glassware that every home should have.

1. The Glass Dome

The glass dome is an incredibly versatile piece, perfect for showcasing an array of items, from baked goods to fruit and cheeses or a stack of freshly baked biscuits. Around the festive season, a glass dome can elevate the presentation of fruit mince pies or even an artful charcuterie plate.

Tip: Repurpose your glass dome into a stunning home accessory. Try placing a small terrarium under it, adding a natural touch to your kitchen or dining room.

2. Glass Vases

Every home needs a vase or 10. Part of your vase collection should be an elegant and functional teardrop vase. The unique shape of the teardrop vase is perfect for holding long-stemmed flowers such as roses or lilies, but it also suits smaller, more delicate arrangements. Its narrow top helps flowers stay in place, ensuring a neat display.

Tip: Apart from flowers, you can use the vase as a sculptural piece on its own. The smooth, flowing lines of a teardrop vase add a soft, graceful aesthetic to any room, whether it’s placed on a windowsill, on a bookshelf, or on a dining room table as a centrepiece.

3. The Punch Bowl

The punch bowl is making a major comeback in 2024! This classic piece is perfect for parties and family gatherings. It offers a fun way to serve large quantities of drinks in a self-serve style, making it easy for guests to help themselves.

A beautiful punch bowl isn’t just functional—it also adds a festive, communal feel to a gathering.

Tip: Remember to add visual interest to your punch with edible flowers, fruit pieces and interesting ice shapes.

4. The Decanter Set

A decanter is a storage vessel for alcoholic spirits like whiskey, rum, tequila, cognac, gin or brandy. A decanter set is mostly an aesthetic choice, as decanting whiskey with its high alcoholic content will have no notable or possible positive change in flavour.

Typically made from glass or crystal, a decanter has a wide base, a narrow neck and an airtight stopper.

Tip: Spirits could last years in a decanter but rather consumer the spirits sooner rather than later.  It is time to discard the whiskey and clean the decanter if you spot discolouration, mould, mildew or dust inside the decanter. Double check that your stopper is still airtight.

5. The Carafe

For wine drinkers, a carafe is an essential piece. While it’s similar to a decanter, a carafe does not have a stopper and is typically used for serving rather than storing liquid for longer periods. It’s perfect for wine, but you can also use it for water, juice, or even cocktails.  

When it comes to wine, does it really matter if you decant it? For many wines, particularly younger reds, decanting helps to remove any sediment, soften tannins and release complex flavours that would otherwise remain muted. So, using a carafe at your next dinner party can certainly allow the wine to reach its full potential.

Tip: Do some research on the wine that you are serving – different wines will benefit from different aeration times.

6. The Classic Jug

Perfect for iced tea, homemade lemonade, or water, a sturdy glass jug is indispensable. The Maxwell & Williams Diamante collection features beautifully designed jugs that are not only functional but also add an air of sophistication to your table.

A classic jug is particularly useful for those who love entertaining. You can use it to serve large quantities of drinks with ease, and its timeless design ensures it fits into any style of dining, whether casual or formal.

Tip: Always hand wash your glass jugs with warm, soapy water and rinse with very hot, clean water to ensure that your jugs stay clear and sparkly for years to come.

7. The Glass Salad Bowl

A glass salad bowl is a timeless and versatile addition to your kitchenware. It’s ideal for presenting fresh, colourful salads at the dinner table, but its uses go far beyond that. You can utilize a glass bowl to serve trifle or other layered desserts, where the transparency of the glass showcases the beautiful layers of cream, fruit, and cake.

Tip: Your glass salad bowl can even double as a centrepiece. Fill it with floating candles for a romantic touch, or use it as a base for an arrangement of flowers or seasonal decor.