Latest news with #glassware
Daily Mail
a day ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE The common mistake you're making while drinking champagne - and how to enjoy a glass of bubbly the right way
You're drinking champagne wrong if you reach for a flute every time a bottle is popped, experts have said. The glassware 'does nothing' for champagne and sparkling wines, according to an 11th-generation Austrian glassmaker who has vowed to 'make them obsolete'. Speaking to The Telegraph, Maximilian Riedel recommended swapping it for a traditional white wine glass or a tulip-shaped one with a larger surface area that allows you to savour the wine's aroma before taking a sip. Riedel isn't the only expert with a distate for champagne served in flutes; sommelier Sandia Chang had them banned from Kitchen Table, the two-Michelin-starred London restaurant she runs with her chef husband James Knappett. Apart from their aesthetic appeal, experts insist there's no benefit to drinking champagne or sparking wines from flutes as award-winning drinks writer and broadcaster Helena Nicklin told FEMAIL the narrow glasses add a 'sense of occasion to drinking bubbles'. However, it is true you miss a lot of the flavour, she continued. 'Wine needs space and air to open up after all that time in the bottle, so serving it in a skinny flute is like keeping the mute button on,' Nicklin said. 'While this doesn't matter so much with inexpensive Prosecco or cheap fizz, it's a real shame for those more premium, traditionally-made sparkling wines and Champagnes that have layers of delicate flavours,' she added. She recommends swapping the flute for a tulip-shaped glass that about the same width as a small white wine glass that will give the wine the room it needs to 'breathe while keeping the bubbles in as best as possible'. Yann Munier, a native of the Champagne region and Cellar Master at the G. H. Mumm Champagne house, previously told MailOnline a white wine glass or rounded flute is preferable to a Champagne 'coupe'. 'I recommend a white wine glass or a rounded flute for optimal tasting. Indeed, the Champagne "coupe" (a very flat glass) disperses the aromas and there is not enough height in the wine to see the bubbles. 'So choose a glass in which you can swirl the wine to smell it and with a tighter top.' Munier's top tips for enjoying a glass of bubbly include serving it chilled, but not iced, at around six to eight degrees Celsius as an aperiif. If it's being enjoyed with a main course, the ideal temperature is between nine and 12 degrees. He advises pouring the Champagne slowly while tilting the glass to preserve the bubbles. 'Don't fill the glass completely, two-thirds full is the maximum, leaving enough space for the aromas to develop,' he said. Some of the common mistakes include servicng Champagne 'too hot or cold' or using the wrong glass. 'It's also important to remember that tasting Champagne should be a full sensory experience - take time to look at the colour and feel the effervescence, smell the aromas and savour the complexity of the flavours,' he added. It comes after sales of champagne in the UK slumped to a 25-year low amid the cost-of-living crisis and the rise of sober-curious GenZ. MailOnline reported that 22.3 million bottles of bubbly were shipped to Britain last year, which is the lowest since 2000 when 20.5 million were imported. A decline in sales has led to a significant increase in price with the cost of a bottle soaring by 25 per cent in the last three years alone. At many major retailers, shoppers can now expect to pay more than £40 for champagne. It's hardly surprising then that sales of alternatives such as Prosecco are at an 'all-time-high'. At Waitrose, a bottle of Waitrose Blueprint Prosecco can be snapped up for just £6.39. Indeed, 660 million bottles of prosecco and more than 114.5 million bottles of Cremant, a similar alternative, were sold in 2024. But a bottle of champagne doesn't necessarily have to break the bank; while you may be tempted to splash out on a luxury bottle, Which? has deemed three non-vintage champagnes from supermarket chains Teso, Aldi and Waitrose are better than the leading brand. A panel of four independent wine experts then blind-tasted the selection, scoring them to uncover the best of the bunch. The panel's highest score went to the Tesco Finest Premier Cru Brut Champagne, at 82 per cent. The bottle of bubbly costs just £25 per bottle. It beat Moët & Chandon's Brut Imperial, which scored 77 per cent despite being almost double the price at £44 per bottle. Also scoring above the UK's leading champagne house is Aldi's Veuve Monsigny Premier Cru Brut Champagne, which ranked at 80 per cent. The bottle is priced at £20. The panel liked its aroma of 'crunchy green apples with a suggestion of pecans, spice and butterscotch'. And Waitrose impressed with its Brut NV Champagne, which also scored 80 per cent. The bottle, priced at £25, has 'pleasing peach, pear and apple flavours, and a superb nut and winter spice taste'. Which? also tested sparkling wines, and uncovered some "brilliant" budget options. The cheapest of these, Lidl's Prosecco Superiore Valdobbiadene, scored 80 per cent. 'At £7.49 a bottle, this Great Value option is an excellent alternative to champagne, and perfect for Christmas parties,' the consumer group said.
Daily Mail
07-07-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Kmart's new $14 drop is the ultimate alternative for 'must-have' designer versions: 'Looks expensive'
Shoppers are racing to get their hands on Kmart's newest homewares release - and this time it's all about the drinks trolley. The retail giant has dropped a range of chic octagon-shaped glassware that's already sending fans into a frenzy, with many calling it a perfect dupe for luxury European brands. The Octagon Hiball Glasses and Octagon Tumbler Glasses retail for just $14 for a pack of six and feature a unique faceted design that gives everyday glassware a modern, sophisticated twist. The range is made from soda lime glass and is dishwasher safe, making it both stylish and practical. 'The most beautiful glasses I've ever seen - 10/10,' one shopper raved. 'My jaw dropped the moment I saw these glasses. They're stunning, and you would never guess they're from Kmart,' said another. 'I get compliments every time I have guests over. Everyone is shocked when I say they're from Kmart - they look so expensive.' Design-savvy shoppers were quick to compare the Kmart range to high-end European brands such as Eleish van Breems, whose Murano Glass octagonal drinking glasses retail for a staggering $185 per piece. The Octagon Hiball Glasses and Octagon Tumbler Glasses retail for just $14 for a pack of six and feature a unique faceted design that gives everyday glassware a sophisticated twist Handmade in Italy on the island of Murano, the designer versions come in a range of colours, including white with a blue rim, pink with a white rim, and dark green with an orange rim. Another luxe option is the Nini Vino glass set by R+D Lab, which sells for $140 for a set of two. These are also handmade in Italy, using high-quality borosilicate glass. While the designer options are undeniably beautiful, the price point makes Kmart's version hard to beat, especially for those looking to elevate their tableware without spending hundreds. And that's precisely why Australians keep coming back to Kmart. From minimalist kitchenware to stylish furniture and viral home décor, the retailer has earned a loyal following for delivering on-trend products at prices that don't break the bank. Shoppers love the thrill of discovering luxe-looking items for less, and with social media flooded with 'Kmart hacks' and viral finds, the brand has become a go-to for affordable home transformations. Whether you're hosting a dinner party or just upgrading your glassware for everyday use, this latest Kmart release proves once again that great style doesn't have to come with a designer price tag. In addition, Kmart also recently surprised shoppers with a secret new range in the lead-up to its eagerly awaited August living launch. This latest drop is packed with versatile pieces that effortlessly combine function and flair. Home favourites include the Arch Black floor mirror ($129), a sleek, full-length buy with a minimalist arch silhouette and black frame, promises to add a modern elegance to your home. Its slim design means it fits neatly into smaller spaces, while the full-length reflection ticks the boxes for practicality and style. In the kitchen, Kmart continues to impress with smart, affordable gadgets. Their air fryer oven ($119) has already won fans for convenience and versatility, and now the compact omelette maker ($20) makes whipping up a fluffy, two-portion treat quick and mess-free - a win for busy mornings. Herb enthusiasts will appreciate the Herb keep savers ($5.50), which prolong freshness and cut down on waste - a small but thoughtful addition that foodies can't get enough of. Meanwhile, the new tropical dinner plates ($8) add a splash of fun with palm leaf, shell, and peach designs that brighten up any meal. It's this combination of style, practicality, and price that keeps Australians coming back to Kmart. With this new secret drop offering fresh ways to update homes ahead of the full living launch, it's clear Kmart is once again tapping into what everyday shoppers want: affordable pieces modelled off the 'it' buys of the moment. Whether you're redecorating, upgrading your lighting, or hunting for clever kitchen helpers, this new range has got people talking - and reaching for their wallets.
New York Times
20-06-2025
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
Drinking Glasses Are a Great Gift. Here Are 14 Truly Special Ones.
In this edition of The Gift, we dish on our favorite glassware for gifting. Plus: more ideas for a beautifully set table, a great deal on a 'holy grail' white T-shirt, and what to give a classroom helper. A few years ago, I was fresh off a breakup, living in a new place of my own. Everything around me was new: I was in an unfamiliar part of town, my bangs were freshly shortened (as is the age-old tradition of any breakup), and I was even starting a brand-new job — this one, actually. All this newness was by design. I thought that surrounding myself with novelty would speed up the process of dealing with the change I was most trying to ignore. I needed (or at least felt like buying) some new drinking glasses, and without thinking too much about it, I ordered a set of basic bistro-style cups, which came highly recommended by Wirecutter kitchen expert Michael Sullivan. When they arrived, though, I realized I had accidentally veered from my perfect plan of new-things-only. In my hands were the exact same drinking glasses I had grown up with. I had somehow cosmically stumbled toward an ever-present fixture of my childhood home. I tucked the glasses into my barren cabinets, and my new apartment suddenly felt more familiar. And familiarity felt surprisingly good. There is a quiet beauty in giving an elevated, everyday home item as a gift. Good glassware, for example, might delight your recipient in the gift-giving moment, maybe because it's unique, beautiful, or, as in my case, even a bit sentimental. But then? It just does its job, fading into the background of your recipient's life. Your giftee will hopefully use your present for years and years — and it can become a comforting fixture in their lives, just as these tumblers have been in mine. To that end, here are some truly special glasses, mugs, and cups that we think would make great gifts: If it's whimsy you're after, gifts expert Mari Uyehara loves these unique tumblers: these fruit and animal ones are catching our eyes in particular — and they have a new set of dog offerings (which are going to be a problem for me, personally). For impressing your coolest, most aesthetic friend, home-decor writer Ivy Elrod recommends these unique face vessels that are, as she puts it, 'nothing short of a true delight.' Each one is handcrafted, resulting in a one-of-a-kind, multi-colored, cheery, smiling face. Kitchen editor Gabriella Gershenson loves these colored coupe glasses for jazzing up cocktails and sparkling wine. 'I bought a pair for my husband for our anniversary. The blue tint is luminescent, and they're thin and wonderfully delicate,' she says. And for injecting a splash of color into your everyday drinking glasses, I'm eyeing the shorter, multi-colored version of my prized Duralex glasses. Your favorite beer aficionado might appreciate these glasses shaped like beer cans. They're simple, but something about drinking out of one might make you feel like you're grabbing dinner at your local brewery. And on a similar note, these Wirecutter-favorite Teku beer glasses are a nice way to class up your pizza-and-beer nights at home. (Or pizza-and-hop-water nights?) For a bit of a splurge, gifts editor Hannah Morrill is eyeing a few Japanese Kimura Glass vessels that are striking in their simplicity: This martini glass is, in her words, 'perfection.' They make coupe glasses, too, which Hannah says would be a great gift 'for the couple who enjoys a drink together every night.' And this crumpled old-fashioned glass would be good for a certain unwinds-in-their-armchair type. Let's not forget the morning joe: These porcelain tumblers look like crushed Solo cups — and when they're not busy moonlighting as a piece of home decor, would do well as a coffee cup by morning. This cheeky cup, the ceramic version of the classic New York City takeout coffee cup, doesn't look too shabby on display, either. I have one on my desk most days, and it somehow makes me feel sentimental for a place I've never lived. Wirecutter's guide to the best drinking glasses→ Whether you're setting a candlelit table for a party, a date with your honey, or mac and cheese for one, our favorites make any occasion feel special. From festive melamine and bamboo plates to classic enamelware, our favorite outdoor tableware pieces are perfect for taking dinner outside. These durable enamelware tumblers are ideal for outdoor dining, but they're also great indoors — whether on a desk, at a well-set dining table, or by your bedside. I'm a third-grade teacher. And I want to get something special and fun for my classroom TA as an end-of-the-year gift. He's been with my class since January and is so helpful, smart, and a joy to work with. I want to thank him with something fun for the summer, preferably something he can enjoy with his husband and their 8-year-old daughter. Thank you! — E.D. From gifting expert Mari Uyehara: For amusement, the storytelling card game Dixit is a fave of many Wirecutter staffers. I've played it with ages 7 to 77 years old many times over — and when we've tried it with kids' friends, we usually get a text from parents asking for the name of the game that their child is now evangelizing. My almost-8-year-old, crazy-smart niece is also a big fan of the Crazy Forts building set. On the noshing front, my boyfriend's tween daughter loves their air-popping popcorn machine; pair it with this excellent movie night what-should-we-watch solver. Multiple subsets of my extended family have had a blast tasting and debating our way through this sampler of hard-to-find Japanese snacks. If you can tease out your TA's address and freezer-space situation, this gift pack of hulking chip ice cream sandwiches would make for some magical summer nights. But if you're not sure of what's in their game room or kitchen, a Target or Dunkin' Donuts card is always a nice summer treat. And make sure you include a good-looking card telling him exactly what you valued about his work this year. As a teacher, I bet you already know how a little appreciation goes a very long way. Our present-hunters are here to answer your questions. By completing this form, you agree that we may add your address to our list for the newsletter The Gift. What I Cover Haley Jo Lewis is the lead editor of newsletters and programming for Wirecutter. She brings experience from the Los Angeles Times and The Seattle Times. When she's not writing newsletters, you can find her cooking, scouring the estate sales of Los Angeles, and spending time on her beloved sectional couch.
News.com.au
01-06-2025
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Cost is a crucial factor': Aussie business owners reveal why their products are made in China
Two Aussie business owners defended themselves against the 'stigma' of having their products made in China, exposing a huge issue for Australia in 2025. Alexandra Pappas, 36, is the founder of statement homewares company No. 22 and she's found it impossible to get her products made in Australia. 'We have found that producing our products in China costs, on average, around one-third of what it would be to manufacture the same products in Australia or other regions,' she told 'As we look to develop a new range of glassware, the quotes we have received from Australian-based manufacturers are significantly higher than those from Chinese factories.' Ms Pappas argued that 'cost is a crucial factor' in decision-making, and if it costs more to make something, ultimately, she has to pass on that cost to consumers. Her focus has to be on keeping the business profitable. And Aussies might like to say they want things made in Australia, but do they want to pay inflated prices? It is a question that Ms Pappas isn't prepared to risk asking her customers. 'For example, we are currently collaborating on a limited-edition collection with a specialist factory in Greece,' she said. 'The production costs for this collection are approximately four times higher than our core range. As a result, this collection will be positioned at a premium price point in order for it to be feasible and successful for us.' The business owner argued that getting stuff made in China isn't just a money-saving technique — it's also a great place to have products made. 'China offers world-class manufacturing capabilities, particularly when it comes to producing high-quality ceramics at scale,' she said. 'The factory we work with is home to highly skilled artisans who have crafted for some of the world's leading lifestyle and homewares brands.' Ms Pappas argued that there's still a stigma when someone hears something is 'made in China', one she disagrees with. 'There is still a misconception that manufacturing in China equates to lower quality,' she said. 'Many of the best lifestyle products are produced there because of the unmatched craftsmanship, access to materials and capacity for consistent, high-volume production.' Tina Grosso, the founder of underwear brand Chou Chou intimates, has a similar perspective, but her decision stems from what she couldn't find in Australia. 'Choosing to manufacture in China isn't just about lowering costs, it's about accessing a level of craftsmanship, technical capability, and scalability that's incredibly hard to find in Australia,' she told 'Locally, I am yet to find a factory equipped to handle the kind of specialised work we do at the scale we do it, especially when it comes to lingerie or detailed garment construction.' Ms Grosso, 30, said that while 'manufacturing offshore does offer cost efficiencies,' she believes the real value comes from the makers there. 'The real value is in working with partners who understand our product, share our quality standards, and can support our long-term growth,' she said. 'We've built relationships with trusted suppliers who are experienced, ethical, and deeply skilled in their craft.' Before she started manufacturing her products in China, quality was her 'biggest concern,' and she wanted to make sure she understand exactly how the process would work. 'Before committing to any purchase orders, I physically went and visited the production sites, requested multiple samples, asked for and reviewed all their audits and certifications,' she said. Despite how much she can justify her decision to manufacture her brand offshore, she knows it comes with criticism. 'There's still a lot of outdated stigma attached to 'Made in China,' especially in fashion,' she said. 'I think brands hesitate to talk about it because they fear it might dilute their perceived value but the truth is, where something is made matters less than how it's made and who you're working with.' At the end of the day, though, the business owner simply couldn't find a local supplier in Australia who could meet her needs. 'Especially since lingerie requires specialised machinery and technical expertise. Beyond that, finding enough skilled seamstresses to produce at scale, particularly in NSW, would be incredibly difficult,' she said. 'Based on my research, if we were to factor in local wages, limited access to materials, and smaller production runs, I estimate the cost would be at least 60-70 per cent higher than manufacturing in China.' That reality means that once she crunched the numbers, there was no way she could afford to make her lingerie in Australia. 'At that cost, even with minimum margins, the retail price of our garments would be pushed beyond what most customers are willing to pay — making the product commercially unviable,' she said. 'The difference isn't just about saving — it's what enables us to reinvest into quality, sustainability and storytelling while keeping our pieces accessible.'
Hospitality Net
30-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
The Art of Mixology: MGallery Hotel Collection, Maison Sarah Lavoine and Citadelle Gin redefine the ultimate cocktail experience with exclusive glassware collection and signature cocktail creations
May 2025 - From the sandy beaches of Thailand to the twinkling city streets of Paris, cocktail enthusiasts can enjoy a touch of modern art this World Cocktail Months. From 13 May, boutique hotel collection MGallery is teaming up with French lifestyle brand, Maison Sarah Lavoine, to launch a set of exclusive glassware. A partnership born out of a collective ethos dedicated to character, curiosity and creativity, MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine have come together to expertly infuse emotion and memories into their designs. The three stunning cocktail glasses have been paired with a trio of limited-edition cocktail creations from the world's first craft gin, Citadelle Gin, that guests can sip and savour in MGallery bars across the world or re-create at home, turning every sip into a work of art. Glassware with a Modern Twist MGallery and Maison Sarah Lavoine have a shared passion for uncovering and championing the soul of spaces, whether through sublime objects or storied properties, in a way that is accessible for all. Inspired by MGallery's one-of-a-kind designs that tell the story of the heart of a destination, the glassware has been delicately crafted to elevate every sip into a special moment. Embodying Maison Sarah Lavoine's distinctive bold and playful colours, elegant lines and timeless designs, the exclusive collection includes a tumbler and two refined coupes, each with matching coasters. Blown and tinted to precision, the glassware combines the essence of each brand, featuring MGallery's distinctive diagonal geometric pattern, set against Maison Sarah Lavoine's exclusive Pantone colours, including the infamous Sarah Blue. Sarah Poniatowski is an acclaimed French designer and the founder & CEO of Maison Sarah Lavoine — Photo by Accor Each MGallery property tells a unique story - one of elegance, storied heritage, and soulful design. Drawing inspiration from these living art galleries, this glassware collection was created to capture the free-willed spirit of travel, warmth of togetherness, and unique beauty. Design is more than just the aesthetics – it's about bringing spaces to life and finding their character to create lifelong memories. It can transport and inspire, just like the immersive experiences MGallery Collection offers for its guests, and together, we've truly created pieces of art. Founder and Creative CEO of Maison Sarah Lavoine, Sarah Poniatowski A Daring and Delightful Cocktail Trio To launch the collection, MGallery has partnered with Citadelle Gin to create three bold new cocktails designed specifically for the glassware. Exposing palates to new combinations of flavours, guests can delight in the indulgent recipes made with 100% natural ingredients. These one-of-a-kind cocktails include: Source: Accor The Crystal Diva: With floral and herbal notes, the Crystal Diva features Citadelle Gin Original, fino sherry, jasmine and lemongrass cordial, and orange blossom. Stirred and poured effortlessly in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Nick & Nora coupe, it is garnished with white chocolate shard and a touch of jasmine and lemongrass, reflective of a gimlet cocktail. Source: Accor For something more earthy and rich, the Timeless Negroni puts a contemporary twist on the classic serve featuring Citadelle Gin Original infused with sandalwood, red vermouth, and Italian bitters infused with pineapple and Pandan, a plant native to Southeast Asia with a vanilla aroma. Served in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Old Fashion tumbler with a 5cm oval ice-cube, it is garnished with pineapple and Pandan leather, transporting the drinker to lush tropical paradise. Source: Accor The Honey 75: This salty, zesty twist on a French 75 features Citadelle Gin Original, fat-washed with local olive olive oil, verjus, salted local honey, orange and cardamom syrup. Topped with Pommery Champagne, this cocktail sits perfectly in the Maison Sarah Lavoine Coupe, evoking a local anchorage that grounds its effervescent profile in timeless elegance Mixology is an expression of art at MGallery and to have three exceptionally unique cocktails crafted with Citadelle Gin specifically for each of the Maison Sarah Lavoine glasses, really takes the 'art of the pour' to a new level. We're excited to bring a new blend of flavours that create space for visitors to immerse themselves in the moment, to build new memories and connections while sipping these one-of-a-kind mixes. Chief Marketing Officer of MGallery, Xavier Royaux Great mixology is a delicate balance of creativity and precision—an art form that transforms quality ingredients into extraordinary experiences. It is also a powerful tool to enhance hospitality, creating moments of connection and discovery. At Citadelle Gin, we are passionate about crafting spirits that reflect both innovation and authenticity. Our collaboration with MGallery Collection and Maison Sarah Lavoine is a true celebration of that artistry, where design and flavour come together seamlessly to elevate the guest experience. Citadelle Gin's Creator and Master Blender, Alexandre Gabriel The three limited-edition cocktails will be launched alongside five brand new MGallery cocktail creations with a variety of flavours to transport guests around the world. The creations, available as alcoholic and non-alcoholic cocktails, will be added to the permanent MGallery cocktail menu and include a refreshing Sage Highball, a citrusy Spring Sour, a modern and fruity Guava Adonis, a silky lemon Bee's Heat and a tropical Paolo Verde. Available in-bar or at-home today Available to sample from 13 May, the Citadelle Gin cocktails will be served in their perfectly paired Maison Sarah Lavoine cocktail glass in MGallery bars across the globe until 31 August. For those interested in recreating the experience at home, the limited-edition Maison Sarah Lavoine glassware line is also available exclusively for purchase at MGallery Boutique. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.
