Although many may think they are just stylish containers to showcase wine, decanters are actually an invaluable tool that ensures wine drinkers get the best out of every blend and bottle. Not to be confused with a carafe, which is a serving vessel depicted by its tall, straight body, decanters are traditionally bowl shaped with a tapered neck and work by exposing wine to oxygen. This simple process relaxes tannins and teases out flavors, such as fruits and florals, that would have otherwise been missed. So yes, a stylish container, but one that can make a $10 bottle of wine taste much more expensive!