Lovely Libations

Quench everyone’s thirst with these easy entertaining ideas.

- Gay Van Beek

 

Satisfying your guests’

Many liquid refreshment needs at your holiday gathering can be a daunting proposition. The following options provide ways to please any fussy guest, so you too can revel in the merrymaking.

The first thing my guests say to me upon arriving is, “I’ll start with water.” Have a designated area only for water and keep it closest to the food, preferably in the kitchen. If you are using a large decorative water dispenser as opposed to water bottles, infuse it with fresh cucumber slices. Water will have a stale taste after sitting for even an hour, and the cucumber keeps it tasting fresh and light. Add a sprig of mint to each glass instead of directly to the water; adding it to the water tends to overwhelm the taste. Serve water in your best glasses, not plastic; your guests deserve to feel special no matter what they are drinking.