Traditions, and quality craftsmanship are things that don't go out of style and German glass company Theresienthal is a manufacturer that has these things in abundance. Everything that leaves their factory is not only handcrafted, but handcrafted from meticulously selected materials by artisans, some of whom have been with the company for decades.

They also have an extraordinary history, founded in 1836 by Franz Steigerwald who named his company “Theresien Thal” after Queen Therese of Bavaria, wife of Ludwig I. What followed was an illustrious period of supplying the finest glass to royalty and aristocracy, both in Europe and further afield, but by 2001, the company became insolvent and the Theresienthal furnaces died out. What would have finished off most companies however, didn't spell the end for Theresienthal; some of the glassmakers were not willing to give up their passion and during the period of their unemployment, many continued to take care of the machinery and tools, some of them even coming to the glassworks every day to maintain their beloved workshop.

Thankfully Theresienthal bounced back, and today produce some great collections for the table - ranging from glasses to decanters, bowls to candlesticks. M.E. loves their more contemporary pieces, (their pared-down green Odessa bowls have perfect proportions) but equally, you could also be a bit flamboyant and pick something more lavish - when attention to detail is this good, forms become timeless.