A carafe is a glass or ceramic container with a wide body and narrow neck, used for serving drinks at the table. You've probably seen one holding water, juice, or lemonade at a restaurant or family dinner. Unlike a pitcher, which usually has a handle, a carafe typically has a smooth, elegant shape that you grasp around its body when pouring.

Carafes are especially common for serving wine or water. At a nice dinner, instead of bringing bottles to the table, servers might pour wine into a carafe first. This looks more elegant and, for wine, also lets it “breathe” (mix with air, which can improve its taste). Coffee lovers use carafes too: many coffee makers brew directly into a glass carafe that sits on a warming plate.

The design has stayed remarkably similar for centuries because it works so well: the wide bottom keeps the carafe stable on the table, while the narrow top makes pouring smooth and controlled. Next time you're at a restaurant, notice whether your water arrives in a carafe or a pitcher, and you'll spot the difference right away.