J-Line Maya

Start with how you want to lay the table. If you want to keep to one tone, take four of the same colour and use that colour as an accent alongside the crockery. If you would rather guests could find their own glass again, mix the colours; that works especially well outdoors and at standing receptions. The clear version is the safest base if you are in doubt, because it goes with any tableware. The capacity of 32 cl is a comfortable middle ground: ample for water or iced tea, but not so large that the drink turns lukewarm before the glass is empty.

A coloured glass is not a wine glass. With wine you want to see the colour of the drink, and that is impossible through a fuchsia wall. So keep the series for water, juice, iced tea, lemonade and soft drinks, where the look of the drink matters less. For a jug of sangria it actually works well, because the fruit already sets the colour. A virgin mojito also looks good in a coloured glass: mint and lime give enough contrast. Fill to about two thirds, leaving room for ice.

The colour is in the glass itself rather than as a layer on the outside, so it will not come away or fade from detergent. Check on the product page whether the model is dishwasher safe and, if it is, wash it on a lower-temperature programme, because long hot cycles leave a haze on coloured glass sooner. Place the glasses apart in the rack so the rims do not touch.

If you want more colour on the table, the overview of coloured glasses sets out every brand side by side, from pastel shades to smoked glass. Looking for the same size but clear? Then take a look at the water glasses. And if a jug belongs on the table, you will find one among the carafes. The wider range from J-Line shows which other series the brand makes.