There are many types of glassware that is available to today's consumers. These items tend to be easily broken. It may be the result of being dropped, an improper dishwasher accident or sometimes a defect in the material that might be exacerbated by temperature variations. Replacing glasses that have fallen prey to normal breakage is a good idea for gift giving.

In its broadest sense, the term may be used for any object made of glass, but is most commonly understood to be the part of a table setting made of the material and used for drinking. Drinking glasses are generally categorized by their shape and size. The three major types are tumblers, footed and stem glasses.

Tumblers are flat-bottomed and usually have straight sides. They are often called by the name of a beverage that is typically served in the container. For example, an iced-tea container is tall and slim. A Collins style holds mixed drinks. A juice holder is smaller and typically wider than that used for tea. Tumblers also hold beer and these are named according to the drink size. A pint tumbler holds an Imperial pint of beer and a pony tumbler holds 140 ml of beer.

Footed glasses have a flat base and a bowl, but there is no stem on this type and they can be more ornate. They may be whimsical. The feet can appear to be added on or they may "grow" from the bowl's base. Punch glasses might be shaped this way. A footed example designed in this manner may not have the bottom of the bowl touching the table or coaster. The feet are flat bottomed, but raise the base above the surface of the table.

Stemware feature a flat base, usually disk shaped surmounted by a narrow stem or neck, with the bowl atop the stem. Some of the typical stemware pieces are a brandy snifter, cocktail holder, sherbet or ice cream bowl or one for consuming wine. The brandy snifter has a short stem, and wide bowl that is somewhat narrower at the top that an the base of the bowl. A cocktail container has a very wide bowl atop the stem.

Glasses are not known for their strength, but most are admired for their beauty. Some homes have special racks where stemware can be displayed. They are beautiful when holding drinks of various kinds. If you want imaginative place settings, try mixing and matching glasses types to do something out of the ordinary. You could use a wine style container to hold sherbet, for example.

Glassware is a common wedding gift. A bride-to-be is able to use a bridal registry to pick favorite patterns and identify needs. Glasses offered as a small memento associated with a housewarming helps a new neighbor feel welcome. If you've lost touch with another neighbor, bring a set of juice glasses and a pitcher of juice and get together again.