Learn When to Use and Where to Place Different Glasses on Your Table

Learning to use and set different types of glasses on your table can give you a plus at all informal and formal gatherings. Let's start using our beautiful glassware that's usually reserved for best.

Without a doubt, get-togethers and occasions around the table are the moments that we enjoy the most. As part of this pleasure, staging or table dressing plays an important role. Beautiful crockery, the finest glassware, and delicious food are the keys to having a great time. Therefore, in this article, you’ll discover how to use and where to place different types of glasses on your table.

Glasses aren’t all the same, nor do they all serve the same purpose. If you want to be the best host, don’t miss our explanation. Ready to discover more?

The importance of knowing the different types of glasses

Knowing how to set a table correctly and being clear about what each of the elements is used for is essential. Especially when it comes to important events such as weddings, business dinners or any other formal celebration.

However, when it comes to informal meetings at home, we often forget about protocol. While it’s true that feeling comfortable in a social environment is essential, some things should never be overlooked. You should still ensure that you use the correct glasses, according to the drinks you serve.

Using and setting different types of glasses on your table

First of all, we have to know what drinks we’re going to serve throughout the meal. In this way, you can prepare the different types of glasses that you’ll need.

To begin with, glasses are placed in front of the plates and on the inside of the table. The most basic thing is usually to place a glass of water on the left side and a wine glass on the right. This is the way to arrange them and, later, you can add extra glasses as needed.

Another way is to place them in order. In this case, we would start on the left with a glass of water, followed by a glass of red wine, then a glass of white wine and, on the right, a glass of sparkling wine.

But there are also other acceptable ways to place the glasses on a table:

• Three glasses in a triangle. The cup on the right is the one to use first. The rest are used in a counterclockwise direction.
• Four glasses in square. In the glass that’s in the lower right corner of the square, the first wine is served and the second in the one immediately above. From there, continue in a counterclockwise direction.
• Five drinks in a row. The order to follow will be the same as for the wine service and it’ll be done from the outside to the inside, just as with the cutlery. In this case, the last glass should be the one with the water that’ll remain, thus, at the opposite end.

The different varieties

• Water: this is a large and sturdy glass without a stem. It can also be used to serve juices, and it should only be filled up to 4/5 of its capacity.
• Red wine glass: the cup area is wide and this should be filled to 2/5 full.
• White wine glass: a slightly smaller and narrower glass than the previous one, because it’s designed to conserve the cold. The presentation is 2/5 of its capacity.
• Champagne glass: a tall, long-bodied glass with a narrow mouth and long stem. It fills up to 4/5 of its capacity.

Some ideas for using and placing the different types of glasses on your table

Now that we know how to put together the perfect table, we just have to get all the necessary elements to make it shine. Here are some inspiring ideas:

1. At IKEA, you’ll find the DYRGRIP glass, ideal for red wine.
2. Look at the Lavander glass with beautiful patterns. It’s suitable for water and you can find it online in the Spanish store, El Corte Inglés.
3. At Maisons du Monde, you can find some lovely colored glassware.

In conclusion, learning to use and set different types of glasses on your table can give you a plus in all family gatherings. Let’s start using our beautiful glassware that’s usually reserved for best. Prepare your table with floral decorations and offer a delicious meal so that no one is indifferent to your hosting skills.