Noblesse Cocktail Coupes, Set of 2

Why it works as a gift

Most host gifts get eaten, drunk or burned. Glassware is the exception that stays in the house, and a pair of coupes is a small, specific upgrade that few people buy for themselves. The coupe shape is flexible: it works for Champagne, a martini, a Manhattan or a dessert wine, so the gift doesn't depend on knowing exactly what they drink.

Nachtmann describes the Noblesse cut as a precisely faceted design, and the listing calls it a revival of classic cut design. The glasses are machine-made crystal, about 5.8 inches tall and about 4.25 inches across at the widest point, and the listing gives a capacity of just over 6 ounces. Both Nachtmann and the listing say they are dishwasher safe. That is the practical reason to choose them over hand-cut crystal at a higher price: they can be used on an ordinary Tuesday, not saved for best.

Compared with Riedel's Extreme Cabernet glasses or a pair of toasting flutes in Shnoop's edit, these suit someone who mixes cocktails or likes the vintage look of a coupe. The cut pattern reads classic, and that is the main question of taste: it flatters a traditional or eclectic home and can look busy in a very minimal one.

Who it’s for

• A friend who mixes cocktails at home and still serves them in tumblers
• A weekend host, as a thank-you that outlasts the visit
• A couple who just moved in together, for a first toast in the new place
• A parent or in-law who entertains and likes traditional crystal but wants something that survives the dishwasher

Skip it if

• Their cabinets are already full of glassware; more stemware becomes clutter
• Their home is strictly modern and minimal; the faceted cut will look ornate there
• They don't drink alcohol and wouldn't use a coupe for anything else
• You need to ship it far or abroad; glass travels best when you hand it over yourself

Giving it

• Add a bottle of something to pour into them, such as a sparkling wine or a vermouth they like, for a complete host gift
• Inspect both glasses on arrival and keep the box until you do, so a chipped glass can be returned through Amazon before you wrap it
• If they host often, consider two sets so four guests can toast together

The facts

In the box

Two Noblesse cocktail coupes

Material

Machine-made crystal glass with the faceted Noblesse cut

Size

About 5.8 in tall and 4.25 in across; capacity 6 1/3 oz per the listing

Care

Dishwasher safe

Sold by (this listing)

Amazon.com

Consider instead

• Riedel Extreme Cabernet Glasses, Set of Four — Four red-wine glasses for a household that drinks wine more than cocktails
• Wedgwood x Vera Wang Duchesse Toasting Flutes, Pair — A pair of flutes for a wedding or anniversary toast
• Brightland The Duo Olive Oil Set — A host gift that gets used up, for a home with no room for more glasses