J-Line Fiore

With coloured glass the choice goes beyond the colour alone. Check whether the colour runs through the whole wall or sits only on the outside, because that determines how the glass looks when it is empty. Watch the rim as well: a slightly thicker rim feels sturdier and is less prone to chipping. Feel free to mix red and dark blue on one table; ordering individually means you set the ratio yourself. More colours from other brands can be found with the coloured glasses.

A 22 cl water glass is for tap water, juice or lemonade, and it works just as well for drinks without alcohol. A virgin mojito with lime, mint and sparkling water comes out well in this size, especially if you bruise the mint between your hands first instead of pounding it. More alcohol-free ideas can be found with the mocktails. Pour to about two centimetres below the rim. This glass is not intended for hot drinks, so stick to cold ones.

Coloured glass deserves a gentler dishwasher cycle than clear glass. Choose a lower temperature and avoid aggressive tablets, because those can dull the colour over time. Washing by hand in lukewarm suds and drying straight away is safest. Do not put the glasses in the freezer; rapid temperature changes are the main cause of cracks. Store them upright in the cupboard.

The full range from this brand is at J-Line. If you want the same size in clear glass, have a look at the water glasses, or browse the tumblers for larger sizes. A carafe of water finishes it off. A table looks calmer if you stick to one colour per course and only switch at dessert, rather than putting out every colour at once.