Crafting a gorgeous holiday table can be a challenge, but if you really want to wow your guests, adding a personal touch with hand-painted glassware is always a great idea—and it’s relatively simple to do!

These glasses also make for wonderful gifts for the season that your loved ones can display proudly at their own dinner parties.

Directions:

1. Using a paper towel and rubbing alcohol, thoroughly wipe down the glass to remove any dust, dirt, and oil.
2. Working from the bottom of the glass, take the lightest color of paint and, using the sponge brush, dab paint from the base upward, creating a thin layer. Continue with the second lightest color, blending this new gradient into the first, followed by a layer of the darkest color—working toward the middle of the glass. Allow this first coat to dry for at least an hour, and repeat if desired for fuller coverage. Once dry, spray a thin layer of frosted glass spray painted over the painted areas.
3. If using a stencil, allow any original layers of paint to dry thoroughly, and then tape the stencil to the glass using the painter’s tape. Dab paint into the negative space of the stencil, allow to dry, and repeat.
4. As an optional step once the paint has thoroughly dried, fill a needle nose bottle with your chosen paint color, and outline the edges around stenciled areas to make them stand out.
5. When your design is complete, the paint must cure for at least 21 days before using. Or, for a quicker solution, place the glass on a baking tray in a cool oven (do not preheat), and heat at 350°F for 30 minutes. Allow the glass to cool down completely in the oven.