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It’s very normal for people to have a good knowledge about the food that they prepare and serve for their family and guests, but to know little about what they’re drinking. This doesn’t just apply to alcohol, and it isn’t just about what kind of drinks you’re buying – it’s also a good idea to know a bit about what drinks to pair with types of food, and to know when and how to serve them. That’s where good glassware comes in: having a full range of glasses might seem old-fashioned or excessive, but they’re a great investment for home entertaining.

Wine glasses

These are the glasses that probably get the most attention when they’re being chosen, but if you’re not sure how to do it, here are the rules: glass should be clear to show the wine’s true colour, large enough to allow some space left in the glass after a good amount of wine has been poured, and – generally – plain. Champagne should be served in flutes, while red wine glasses and white wine glasses differ in that red wine glasses are slightly larger.

Whisky glasses

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A whisky tumbler is the best option if you’re drinking whisky with a mixer or on ice. Consider the shape of the glass and the thickness of its base: the thickness of the base won’t affect the whisky’s taste, so base thickness is largely a matter of personal taste, but it’s something that many whisky fanatics have strong opinions on. If you’re drinking whisky on its own, however, it’s a good idea to explore the option of a whisky glass with a stem and a slightly tapering shape.

Cocktail glasses

This is the part where it gets tricky – and fun. Each cocktail calls for a certain type of glass, but you’ll be off to a good start if you own a set of martini glasses and another set of simple ‘long’ drinking glasses that can also be used for non-alcoholic beverages. Home entertaining means you’ll probably only be serving your and your guests’ favourites, so you’ll be sure to learn along the way what other glasses you need, as most cocktail recipes are specific about this.

Glasses and more

Once you’ve got the basics, it’ll be easy to add on to your collection with more specialised kinds of glasses and other accessories that make for a well-stocked bar and great entertaining at home.

And finally…

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There are a few rules to buying drinking glasses that apply to most kinds of shopping: for one, keeping it simple is always a good idea if you want to be able to use the same glasses for every occasion, and to continue to keep them for a good period of time. That leads to two more rules – only buy glassware that you love, and go for the best that you can afford. Take care of your drinking glasses and you’ll find that they’re a great investment.