A guide to glassware

The elegance of a sophisticated drink is often found in the glass itself. A mojito, cosmopolitan, glass of wine, glass of champagne or beer all have their very own unique way of being served and drunk. Therefore, the bar glasses you choose to serve these drinks in are a vital part of the drink itself. It is so important to have the perfect bar glasses for each occasion as you are starting you’re home and what better place to acquire these than through your wedding registry.

The array of choice may be daunting so here’s a quick guide to help you out.

Firstly, the definition of a bar glass is simply a glass specifically designed for wine and cocktails which come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Even if you’re not a big drinker yourself, having these glasses as an option to serve guests from instantly gives your home a classy and well-established feel. Also, you never know when you may just need to come home to a relaxing glass of wine.

Some of the options of these glasses include:

• Wine Glasses – Wine glasses are the first and most obvious necessity of bar glasses to have. They will come in use at every dinner party. What many people don’t know is that there are actually different designs for the glass dependant on whether you are serving red or white wine, so bear this in mind when you are picking for your registry. These are the types of glasses where you may need a few. We would recommend on average 12.

• Martini Glasses – Martini’s may be an acquired taste which is why you may only need a couple of these. The size of the glass is relative to how strong the drink is, the stronger the drink, the smaller the glass. Unless you’re really after a wild party. We suggest around 4 of these.

• Highball Glass – These glasses are a stylish way of serving absolutely anything, from fresh summer punch to mixed drinks. It is important to have a few of these in your home as they suit any occasion, so we would recommend 8-10.

• Champagne Flute – everyone wants their home to be constantly filled with happiness, laughter and celebration. Popping champagne at these moments seals the excitement and you need the perfect glasses to pour the bubbly into. This is not something to skimp on as champagne glasses are specially designed so that the bubbles rise to the top after pouring. They are not only well designed but beautiful too! Use the size of your family or friend group to judge the amount you may need. Hopefully you will always be sharing in celebrations together.

• Whiskey Glasses – these short glasses can be used for anything from whiskey to bourbon to a simple but stylish glass of sparkling water with a slice of lemon. As the shape itself is quite basic, you can use this opportunity to go wild on the design. Perhaps even mix and match. Up to 10 of these glasses should suffice to start with and you can always build a collection.

• Shot Glasses – Shot glasses have more uses than one may think. They are of course for the instant throwback of hard liquor to get the party going but can also be used to measure drinks for mixers or have the more sophisticated liqueur. Whichever way you use them, they are a must. Get up to 6 to start off with and if you need more you can always top up… excuse the pun.

• Beer Glasses – Every home needs a set of beer glasses to use on one the weekend when having guests over for a braai or just to watch the sport and relax. The Humorous and trendy Ritzenhoff design includes beer mug with handle and beer coasters. We recommend a set of 6-8 beer mugs.