An essential for any kitchen: well-proportioned basic drinking glasses for family meals, entertaining, casual wine tumblers and more. Here are our latest favorites:

Above: Jasper Morrison Glass Family Set for Alessi; prices start at $9 for the water glass at Unica Home.

Above: Iittala's Kartio tumbler, a classic by Finnish designer Kaj Franck, is available in two sizes: the 7-Ounce Kartio Tumbler is $10 and the 13-Ounce Kartio Tumbler is $13 at Unica Home. Available in clear, gray, or several shades of blue.

Above: A French classic, well suited for drinks from wine to water, the Picardie Glass from DWR. Highly durable, the glasses come in a set of six for $21.95 (for both the large and the small size).

Above: The Vaken Glasses from Ikea; a pack of four is $4.99.

Above: Heath Ceramics recently came out with a line of simple table glasses, handblown in West Virginia. We especially like the Heath Straight Side Glasses (tapered glasses also offered); $24, $26, and $28 for sets of two in short, medium, and large sizes.

Above: West Elm Market's Rimmed Glasses are practical for everyday use but have a distinct white band for a bit edge; $12.00 for set of four double old fashioned glasses; $19.00 for set of four highball glasses.

Above: Made in Poland, the delicate but resilient Gio Clear Glass Tumbler is available in a set of six for $21 at the Conran Shop.

Above: The basic Diod from Ikea is a great staple that is comfortable to hold; $1.99.

Above: Dosa Tumbler from designer Christina Kim; $4.25 each from OK.

Above: The BottleHood Short Glass (11 ounces) is made in San Diego from recycled wine bottles; $19 for a set of two at Heath Ceramics; also available in a 16-ounce size.

Above: Made in France, the Gigogne Glass by Duralex is available in two sizes (7.5 or 5.75 ounces); $25 for a set of six at Brook Farm General Store.

Looking for more basic wares for everyday use? If so, see our Entertaining Essentials and Everyday Stainless Steel Flatware roundups.