GLASSES

Glass or rigid plastic, for cocktails, receptions and meal trays

End of an outdoor reception. A glass falls onto the terrace. Depending on the material, you either pick up an intact object or reach for the broom.

This is the first choice to make, and it has nothing to do with aesthetics.

Real glass offers the best appearance and withstands high temperatures better. Some models can be used in the oven, microwave and freezer, making it possible to prepare in advance.

Rigid plastic is much lighter, with a flute weighing less than fifteen grams, and it does not shatter into pieces. At a standing buffet, in a garden or near a swimming pool, it is often the most practical choice.

Weight also matters when loading and transporting. Handling two hundred glass glasses in crates is a logistical task in its own right for an event service.

One-piece or removable stem

The day before a reception, someone has to assemble the stemmed glasses one by one. The calculation is simple: a few seconds per glass, multiplied by the number of guests.

Both designs have their advantages. A one-piece glass arrives ready to use, with nothing to assemble, but it takes up its full height in storage and in crates. A removable stem can be stored flat, takes up much less space and is easier to transport, at the cost of assembly time. A separate stem can also accommodate several different containers, reducing the number of references that need to be managed.

Choose the shape according to the drink

Shape is not just a matter of style. A narrow tube can hold a larger capacity within the same diameter, which affects the number of glasses that fit on a serving tray.

The flute is available in transparent or black with a faceted stem, such as the Clarity and Eclipse models. The bevelled tumbler is suitable for cocktails or soft drinks. The straight tubo is ideal for juices and light beers. Large pint formats hold up to half a litre for bubble tea or smoothies. Two designs are available with the same capacity, one wide and one tube-shaped: you can change the look of a table without changing the serving size. For seated coffee service, a handled cup is a better alternative to a tumbler.

A practical point: small-diameter glasses are designed to fit into meal trays. Check the diameter before ordering, rather than just the capacity.

The glass that can also be used as a verrine

You manage two stocks. Glasses for drinks on one side, verrines for appetisers on the other.

Several models can be used for both purposes. The Comptoir and Stak models can serve a juice or a cold starter depending on the occasion. Karo+ models can be stacked to create height on a buffet. A cup or stemmed glass can be used equally well for coffee or dessert.

Wash, count, reuse

A washable glass only becomes cost-effective if it comes back. For an open-air event, always allow for a proportion of glasses that will not be returned.

This is the real calculation to make, more than the unit price. A glass used ten times costs less than a single-use container, provided your organisation allows you to collect and wash it. For seated service, the question does not really arise. For a cocktail event in an open venue, it does. Models designed to be put back into service are included in the reusable selection. For products that permanently leave the customer's hands, take a look at the cups instead.

Order your glasses from Comatec

Comatec has been designing and distributing food packaging since 1994, in Carcassonne. Some of the glasses are made in France; this information is provided on each product page, together with the PlanetScore© rating from A to E.

A glass should be assessed in your hand: the feel of the stem, the thickness of the wall and the actual transparency. Ask for samples before equipping an entire event. Catalogues show the glasses filled and set up, which helps you assess their appearance. And for the matching straw, choose the length according to the height of the glass.