Give identical water glasses a simple identifier.

When several glasses look alike, a clear identifier can prevent people from repeatedly wondering which one they were using.

Choose a suitable marker

Use removable glass markers designed for the purpose, distinctive coasters, or another appropriate method that stays outside the drinking area. Avoid attaching loose items that could fall into a drink. Check that the identifier is easy to distinguish in the room’s lighting.

Connect each glass to its owner

Let guests choose a marker or place their name on a coaster. Keep the system consistent during the gathering, especially if glasses move between rooms. If a glass becomes uncertain, provide a clean replacement rather than expecting someone to guess from a nearly identical decoration.

Reset after the gathering

Remove temporary identifiers before cleaning if their instructions require it. Store reusable markers together so the complete set is available next time. For a very small meal, using visibly different glasses may solve the same problem with less setup.

This practical article was drafted with AI assistance for Little Days. It is not a submitted reader story or a claim of firsthand experience. The image is illustrative; its source is listed in Photo credits.