The Home & Table Gift Guide
Lead-free crystal decanters, wine glasses and whisky glasses: how to choose a gift
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A home doesn’t need six different sets. It needs glasses and stemware that can be mixed and matched without clashing, and an idea of which four or five pieces you actually use. Here you’ll find 127 models in hand-blown lead-free crystal, from 18 to 193 euros, organized by use.
The five pieces you actually use
- The water glass — the one you reach for every day, the only one you need to keep a proper supply of.
- The wine glass — if you choose just one, choose the versatile glass: it works for white, red and sparkling wine.
- The flute or coupe — for toasts, and the coupe also works for cocktails.
- The low tumbler — whisky, Negroni, Old Fashioned: heavy base and a large ice cube.
- The cocktail coupe — the piece that turns an ordinary evening into something special.
Why they can be mixed
Because the crystal is the same, as is the rim thickness. Different ranges from the same glassware maker have different designs but the same craftsmanship: on a set table, the difference reads as a choice, not a compromise. That’s why it’s better to buy two sets at a time rather than a set for twelve all at once.
How many pieces for a home
Six water glasses, four wine glasses, four champagne flutes. This is the selection that covers a regular dinner without filling the cupboard. Those who entertain often only double up on water and wine glasses: they’re the ones that break, while the others hardly ever do.
The rest of the tableware
Alongside glasses, there are carafes and decanters and vases. All signed glassware is in NUDE, and the full home collection is in home.
Frequently asked questions
Can they be washed in the dishwasher?
Yes, lead-free crystal can handle a regular dishwasher cycle. Just make sure the pieces are spaced apart: hand-blown glassware breaks when two pieces knock together, not from heat.
Is it better to buy a complete set or piece by piece?
Piece by piece, starting with water and wine glasses. A set for twelve takes up space 90% of the time, and when one breaks, you can no longer find the same range. Two sets of four from the same glassware maker do the same job and can be added to over the years.
What’s the difference between crystal and glass?
Crystal is thinner while maintaining the same strength: the rim is finer and the glass feels lighter in your hand. Lead-free crystal has the same clarity as traditional crystal without the heavy metal, which is why it’s also suitable for everyday use.