How many times have you been drinking tea, lemonade, or anything else with ice in it and every time you pick up the glass it drips water all over you? Even if you are using coasters, quite often they just can t hold all that water that sweats down the side of your glass. If you are tired of having drinks dripping all over you, then enter the world of insulated glassware. It can change the way you drink your beverage of choice.

Insulated Glassware to the Rescue

Insulated glassware can be found in both plastic and glass. The more expensive varieties will be made out of glass, which many people find to be superior. Insulated glassware constructed of glass can be a bit pricy, but occasionally you can find good sales on them, especially if you look online. You may be able to find it in your local retail stores, if you are only looking for the plastic variety. Most types of insulated glassware are dishwasher safe. Always check the manufacturer s directions since some varieties of insulated glass may not be sealed as well as others. This way you don't ruin your best drinking glasses.

Insulated glassware are not just for cold drinks. Usually insulated glassware can also be used for hot drinks such as coffee, and the insulation allows you to hold onto the glass without fear of burning your hand. That is why many will carry these on their drive to work. They can have their hot coffee fix on the way. Even though most people don t use tumbler style glassware for coffee, the insulated glasses can be dual duty if needed.

Insulated glassware is generally made from a special type of glass, which is made out of a borosilicate. This type of glass is thinner and more durable than your regular varieties of glass. The borosilicate glass also does not scratch or become cloudy after the glasses have been used for a while. Some types of insulated glassware that are cheaply made can have a tendency to scratch easily or become cloudy after being used for long periods of time. Insulated cups are a wonderful idea that not only keep condensation from forming on the outside of the glass, but also shield your hand from a hot beverage. It could be a good thing to add to your collect of glasses.

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Hand-Painted Glassware Ice Bucket/Vase

Portmeirion Botanic Garden Hand-Painted Glassware Ice Bucket/Vase Substantial in form but airily floral, this Botanic Garden piece serves equally well as a bucket for ice or a vase for a fresh-cut bouquet of tulips. The hand-painted motif combines lavender lilacs, bright green leaves, and playful butterflies. A band of leaves adds definition to the rim. Measuring 8 inches in diameter and standing 8 inches high, the piece coordinates with Botanic Garden dinnerware or stands prettily on its own. Portmeirion recommends washing it by hand. –Emily Bedard