The Best Drinkware for Outdoor and Poolside Entertaining
Courtesy of West Elm
As the summer season approaches, we begin to plan activities like backyard barbecues, park picnics, and celebrations by the pool. And as we continue to navigate a new phase of the coronavirus pandemic, these outdoor entertaining opportunities will be the standard—so what are some go-to items you should start collecting for these gatherings? When you're stocking up on supplies for outdoor soirées, you don't have to rely on the same kinds of dishes and glassware that you would set on the table inside—and, ultimately, you shouldn't, since many of these objects are composed of glass, which makes them supremely breakable. No one wants to worry about broken shards while poolside.
Luckily, there are so many outdoor-friendly entertaining options, especially on the drinkware front. From colorful wine glasses to tall cups that beautifully house seasonal cocktails, there are tons of options that are perfect for outside or poolside use. Sometimes referred to as shatter-resistant or non-shatter, these types of drinking glasses are typically made from acrylic or ultra-sturdy plastic (so they are dishwasher-friendly!) and won't experience fading from hours of sunlight exposure. Another plus? Sets are often stackable, which makes them easy to grab and go. Best of all, there are an incredible amount of refined, elegant outdoor drinkware options—some look convincingly crystal-like, while others come emblazoned with fun, seasonal prints and colors. From our founder's berry-print Tom Collins glasses ($21.99 for four, macys.com) to textured, short tumblers perfect for serving old fashioneds, find exactly what you need to enjoy seasonal beverages al fresco—sans broken glass—ahead.
Top Picks
Martha Stewart Collection Berry Acrylic Tom Collins Glasses with Stirrers
Pottery Barn ″Mod Italian″ Outdoor Tall Drinking Glasses in White
West Elm
These bestselling pastel-colored glasses will last you all summer (and then some) thanks to their weather-resistant acrylic material.
Shop Now: West Elm Fluted Acrylic Glassware in Silver Pine, $22, westelm.com.
House of Hampton
Maximize backyard bar storage with these colorful, stackable wine glasses. They're as convenient for outdoor entertaining as they are elegant.
Shop Now: House of Hampton "Heil" Acrylic Red Wine Glass, $22.99 for four, wayfair.com.
Pottery Barn
These lightweight iterations add a minimalist, mid-century aesthetic to any outdoor table setting. Since this Italian-made drinkware is available in different colors and sizes, you can serve sangria and other refreshing summer cocktails in a fun array of glasses.
Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Mod Italian" Outdoor Tall Drinking Glasses in White, $40 for four, potterybarn.com.
Williams Sonoma
This fun rainbow set of acrylic cups is made from durable Tritan (an ultra-sturdy plastic) and inspired by drinkware seen in French cafes.
Shop Now: Williams Sonoma "DuraClear" Tritan Faceted Glasses, $65.95 for six, williams-sonoma.com.
Pottery Barn
These textured options will elevate any pool party. The prismatic shatterproof material will sparkle in the sun.
Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Geo" Outdoor Double Old Fashioned Glasses, $57.50 for six, potterybarn.com.
Martha Stewart Collection
Our founder's berry-print glasses—complete with stirrers—will be the stars of your backyard barbecues this summer.
Shop Now: Martha Stewart Collection Berry Acrylic Tom Collins Glasses with Stirrers, $27.99 for four, macys.com.
Pottery Barn
You won't have to worry about broken glass at your upcoming backyard soirée with these shatter-resistant goblets—and they're dishwasher safe, so you don't have to stress about late nights at the sink either.
Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Happy Hour" Acrylic Wine Glasses in Aqua, from $8, potterybarn.com.
Crate & Barrel
Another stackable glass to help you keep your bar area neat, this aqua-tinted option's sturdy base allows your guests to set their wine down anywhere.
Shop Now: Crate & Barrel Stacking Aqua Acrylic Wine Glass, $3.95, crateandbarrel.com.
Sur La Table
What good is a pool party without margaritas? This dishwasher-safe set, made from BPA-free Tritan plastic, won't tarnish or crack, no matter how many summer parties you host.
Shop Now: Sur La Table Outdoor Margarita Glasses, $40 for four, surlatable.com.
Pottery Barn
These tall glasses are staples for any outdoor gathering, making perfect shatter-resistant vessels for any summer beverages you and your guests choose to enjoy.
Shop Now: Pottery Barn "Veranda" Outdoor Tall Glasses in Sage Green, $48 for six, potterybarn.com.
