Serving Water in Style
Summer, as wonderful as it is, is filled with temptations. Between cook-outs, weddings, company picnics, and a million other events, we all face constant incentives to munch. When I host a summer event, I have an easy secret weapon that prevents me from overloading my guests with sugar and calories. And amazingly, it comes right out of the tap in my kitchen.
With a couple of tricks, water can feel (almost) as special as the lemonade, mojitos, and margaritas we associate with sunny, summer social gatherings.
Try spicing it up with tasty add-ins. There are many refreshing combinations (lime/ mint and cherry/ orange come to mind…), but my personal favorite is below:
L.A. Classic H2O*
½ large cucumber, sliced in rounds
¼ large lemon, sliced in rounds
6 cups filtered water
Fill a pitcher with all ingredients. Cover and let sit in the fridge for 30 minutes.
*Best when served chilled—even for those who don’t like ice.
Of course, if you present water in a well-worn pitcher, your guests are likely to go looking for the beer. Luckily, Crate & Barrel is currently offering the hand-blown Ginny pitcher for $16.95. That’s 1/8 of the price of a certain high-end look-alike that I have literally fantasized about.
If you happen to be in the market for a more luxurious item, you can still find a bargain. Replacements of Greensboro, North Carolina, sells overstock and gently used tabletop wares– including tea party favorites like Waterford and William Yeoward crystal. On a good day, you can find an heirloom-quality pitcher up to and over 50% off the retail price.
For a modern sensibility, act fast to get Orrefors carafes and stemware on sale at Rue-La-La. The boutique is open until 7.01.09 11AM EDT, but considering the huge following Orrefors enjoys, items are likely to go fast.
And as a kitschy touch for your 4th festivities, check out Retro Planet’s dineresque Red Pitcher, an easy treat at $13.99. It’s very Route 66, and just the right touch of whimsy for a casual patio get-together.
Happy Serving!
Lucie is the Director of www.ZinaBeverlyHills.com.
Photo courtesy of CountryLiving.com.
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July 2nd, 2009 at 11:50 am
that sounds delicious:)
July 8th, 2009 at 9:44 pm
wow! just the look at the vases makes one want to drink what is inside! You people really are good at what you are doing.