You can let it breathe while its in the decanter for an hour or so before people drink it.
Replacement stoppers should be available from any winery or wine shop.
More than likely, the sugars from whatever was in the bottle have formed a sort of "glue". My suggestion would be to boil some water in a pot, and place the stopper part into the boiling water as you hold the bottom of the decanter. In this upside down position, should the stopper pop out, breakage may not occur. As a suggestion and a precaution....purchase one of those little colapsable baskets you use to steam veggies and put that in the bottom of the pot of boiling water. This way if the stopper does pop out it will be caught by the basket. Posted from: nypdbluetpd@yahoo.com I wouldn't put the stopper end in the hot water, because it will cause the stopper AND the neck to swell (if they came together in a set, they're most likely the same type of glass and have a similar coefficient of expansion) Also, depending on the type of glass, if you put it in boiling water, the glass may break. I would start with warm water from your tap, and gradually increase the hot water...run water over the decanter but try to AVOID the stopper, so the decanter expands slightly, but the stopper remains cool and doesn't expand. If you put it in boiling water, you may experience thermoshock and it can shatter. If this doesn't work, maybe put the decanter in a pot with warm water and again, turn the heat up slowly. Be careful, though. It sounds like it's sealed shut. If there's a buildup of heat inside, it could explode. But done gently and slowly the pressure from inside may push the stopper out. Maybe even try this suggestion with the earlier "dowel" suggestion.
It can be served from a decanter if there is no deposit in the bottle.
You should try the Harmon WCL100 Motion Wine Cooler & Decanter
when you breath in your diaphragm muscle expands your lungs to take in air. when you breath out your diaphragm muscle pushes on your lungs to let out the air.
to avoid contaminating the chemical when the stopper is replaced
It is best to match wine glasses with your decanter so it looks nicer and your guests will enjoy the look more.
If a decanter is lead crystal, there should be a mark on the bottom of the item. You can read more about lead crystal at http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-lead-crystal.htm.
whoa
Air does not come out of your eyes when you breathe, or at least it is not supposed to. Air shouldn't come out of your eyes when you breathe. Air should only come out of your mouth and nose when you breathe.
The stopper of a chemical container should be handled carefully to avoid contact of a dangerous chemical with the skin. Careful handling is also key to preventing contamination.
The stopper of a chemical reagent container should be handled carefully for two reasons. Firstly, it may contain chemical residues which can be dangerous. Additionally, if the stopper is dirtied it may contaminate the reagent in the bottle when the stopper is put back on.