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Michaela
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 12:20am | IP Logged
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Summer has just kicked off and I'm already tired of the 2liter plastic bottles, paper cups, soda cans, juice bottles. Basically, I don't like the extra trash and expense.
Our guests mainly include extended family, but also a few neighborhood children. A few comments have already been made about not wanting to drink water or not wanting this drink or that drink.
What do you offer your guests to drink while they visit and play on hot summer days? Is kool aide out because of dyes and sugar? That was such a staple when I was growing up. Iced tea? If I make a drink, I worry it's too much sugar or not enough sugar. Everyone is so different it's a challenge.
How do you handle it and what do you serve?
Thanks!
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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JSchaaf
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 12:38am | IP Logged
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Well, for the kids (mine and the ones in the neighborhood) I keep a Coleman Faucet Jug filled with ice water on the front porch. I keep some 5 oz plastic cups out there, as well, and ask the kids to keep track of their cups and not get a new one each time they need a drink. I don't offer anything other than ice water, and having it on the porch prevents kids from coming in and out all the time.
For the grown ups? We usually have sweetened sun tea on hand. If our guests don't want that (or the beer in the garage fridge  ) I offer ice water.
Jennifer
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JodieLyn
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 12:44am | IP Logged
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except for special occations the kids get water.. can't think of anything better for them on a hot summer day playing outside.
Now.. I also try and keep some popcicles on hand so if I want to give them sugar and dye I have those
I'll offer adults whatever we have which may be juice or soda or whatever.. but since I mainly drink ice water.. and the main adult that visits is my sister and at least during the day her preference is also ice water.. we're good.
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MaryM
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 1:01am | IP Logged
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We usually do ice tea and lemonade when we have guests. I make the tea unsweetened and just always put out sweeteners so people can fix it to their liking.
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mathmama
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 5:55am | IP Logged
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How about lemonade? We always have seltzer around here but I hate the expense, waste of the plastic, and the idea of drinking out of plastic. I was at a friend's last week and she would just mix some lemon juice with water and then some drops stevia until it is sweet enough. I like this because it is fast (buy lemon juice, not lemons), cheap (even organic lemon juice is cheaper than buying non organic lemons and squeezing them, and although a bottle stevia is expensive it will last a long time), and healthy (no sugar, no artificial sweetners, real lemon juice). I made some here last night, and I really diluted it. You don't have to make it regular strength. And if you don't make it really lemony you don't have to use alot of stevia. I think last night I probably used 1/2c lemon juice and maybe about 10-12c water and maybe 30-40 drops of stevia.
Beth
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Elizabeth
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 9:08am | IP Logged
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Michaela,
There are some more (lots more) ideas here and don't forget Alice Cantrell's Bottled Hospitality.
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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lilac hill
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 10:32am | IP Logged
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For large gatherings a permanent marker helps people label their own cups--Sam's club had some plastic cups with "2" for recycling so we have a recycling can out for that.
We use the large Coleman dispensers for beverages. I did lemonade, water and unsweetened iced tea for DD's graduation. I always set out a bottle of sugar syrup so everyone can sweeten their own tea. I also keep a bottle in the frig regularly so I can have my unsweetened and the kids can have their sugar.
BTW, I know they are family, but since you are hosting, I believe you can offer what you wish and do not need to check the menu with them. Everyone should be happy that you are doing the hosting  . Honestly, if they were attending a non-family party would they have comments about the menu?  If dyes and sugar are something you avoid, them plan for it and if not, serve what you wish. Since I am GF and I choose to not eat meat I did not raise--I usually offer to bring some wine and a GF/veg dish so as not to be a burden to my hostess.At DD's graduation, since we have a few celiacs , diabetics, and vegetarians--I planned my menu accordingly and everyone seemed pleased.
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Michaela
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 10:40am | IP Logged
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Jennifer, I've always wanted to buy one of those LARGE jugs. That's probably the best way to go with the kids, no matter the drink I put inside! (Why is it my permanent marker disappears every time I want to write names on cups?  )
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| I make the tea unsweetened and just always put out sweeteners so people can fix it to their liking. |
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I'm such a dummy! That would be such a simple way to stop the panic attacks I have hoping everything is just right. I can offer the drink, and they can sweeten it to their liking. It seems that I don't know the basics in being hospitable! 
Elizabeth, thank you for the links. I sware I did a search before posting. I somehow goofed.
Why oh why didn't I think of homemade lemonade? That's why I asked though.
Thank you so much for all your suggestions.
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Michaela
Momma to Nicholas 16, Nathan 13, Olivia 13, Teresa 6, & Anthony 3
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Elizabeth
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| Posted: July 01 2008 at 10:54am | IP Logged
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Michaela wrote:
Elizabeth, thank you for the links. I sware I did a search before posting. I somehow goofed.
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Not at all. None of those links is answering your specific question. I was going to do the search anyway since I wanted to find something fun for a weekend cookout. And I'm glad it brought up Molly's old pregnant drink question because I'm so not into water this time and usually I crave water when I'm pregnant...
So, I'm glad you started the conversation!
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Elizabeth Foss is no longer a member of this forum. Discussions now reflect the current management & are not necessarily expressions of her book, *Real Learning*, her current work, or her philosophy. (posted by E. Foss, Jan 2011)
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4Real Forums : Our Lady's Loom, Larder, and Laundry
Topic: Summer drinks (guests)
