5 unbreakable glasses and cups for Thanksgiving dinner

Whenever my whole family gets together, chaos ensues: Food gets devoured, the children fight, and glasses inevitably shatter.

While there are no quick fixes to getting children to behave or teaching Cousin Eddie that "all you can eat" doesn't mean you can eat it all, there are plenty of glassware choices that can withstand even the rowdiest of parties. So stop tiptoeing around the Waterford, ditch the tacky Solo cups, and get ready to imbibe in style with these break-resistant glasses.

Optix Break-Resistant Plastic Cups

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Optix cups may be colorful and plastic, but that's where the similarities with a red Solo cup end. Made by U.S. Acrylic, they're break-resistant, kid-friendly, and perfect for parties both indoors and outdoors.

First off, they've got a textured exterior that's easier to grip whether you're young or old. They're also stackable, so storage isn't a nightmare. Finally, each set comes in four different colors. Having color-coordinated cups makes it a little easier to keep track of which glass is yours at a party.

Schott Zwiesel Tritan Crystal Stemware

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Schott Zwiesel is known for its shatter- and scratch-proof Tritan crystal. That's because it's strengthened with zirconium oxide and titanium oxide, some of the hardest compounds on earth.

Consumer reviews rave about Tritan crystal because it has a more sturdy weight to it than normal glass, but it's also lead free. This stemware is also dishwasher safe, so there's no need to worry about hand washing. That's why we think Tritan stemware is a great way to add a touch of class to your table—even if it's the kids' table.

HomEco Copper Mugs

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These mugs won't shatter like glass because they aren't made of glass. A hammered-copper finish might be best known for serving Moscow Mules—but we think they also add a unique touch of fall color to the dinner table. Even if you don't have a fireplace, they catch the light and give off a warm glow.

Copper cups are way more durable than their glass counterparts. If anything, they bend rather than break. We chose HomeEco's cups because they're solid copper. (Lesser versions use a copper lining that can come off when washed.) Added bonus: copper has a natural antimicrobial property so they'll resist getting the funk some cups get you sleep off your food coma.

Duralex Tumblers

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French company Duralex is known for its tempered glass–meaning it has been pressure treated to make the material stronger and safer. Rather than shattering into long shards you can cut yourself on, tempered glass balls up into a sweepable pile when it breaks.

Besides strength, we like the fact that tempered glass stays clearer longer. If you were to look at normal glass under a microscope you'd see lots of tiny holes in which soap scum and liquid can get trapped, which is why old glasses get cloudy, even if you clean them. Not so with Duralex glasses—which is why they're so popular in bars and restaurants.

Chef’s Star 15 Ounce Stemless Wine Glasses

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These are the best-selling wine glasses on Amazon, and it's easy to see why. Stemless glasses have a low center of gravity–so there's also a lower chance of spillage or breakage.

Though they're not break-proof, these glasses are made from shatter-resistant material and are also dishwasher safe. Even better: they come packed in a gift box, which makes for a great host or hostess gift that can be put to immediate use.