Beverage Dispensers

No party is complete without a few drinks. You have a few options when it comes to entertaining though. Many hosts serve individual drinks. They set out buckets of ice filled with cans or bottles of soda, water, or juice. Other hosts take a simpler approach and set out cups with larger bottles that allow guests to pour their own drinks. Using a beverage dispenser is a better choice. You can make your favorite punch recipe and let all guests try it. These dispensers come in different designs for holiday parties and special events, too. You can even choose the right size for the number of guests who come to your home. Be the belle or beau of the ball when you have the right drink dispenser on hand for your guests.

Before you look at whether you need a plastic or glass drink dispenser, think about the size you need. Smaller dispensers that hold up to one gallon are suitable for intimate affairs where just a few people come over. If you have 10 or more guests, choose one that holds more than a gallon. Some of the largest models hold up to three gallons of liquid and ice. Even if you throw small parties, a larger drink dispenser can come in handy. It lets you spend more time mingling with your guests and less time refilling it with ice and punch. Keep in mind that you might have some punch left over that you need to throw away at the end of the night.

Both glass and plastic beverage dispensers are suitable for most events. When you throw a party and know that there will be a lot of kids on hand or that your guests will get a little rowdy, go with a plastic beverage dispenser. You don't want to spend all night keeping an eye on the dispenser or worrying that someone might knock it over. A glass drink dispenser is better for quiet parties with adults. To make your party appear even more elegant, go with a crystal drink dispenser.

Do you want to buy a drink dispenser but worry that it will look too much like those you see at other parties? Make yours stand out with a few accessories. Snag a wood base that lifts the dispenser off your table. Not only will this make it a focal point of your food table, but the stand also helps guests fill their glasses without struggling to fit them under the nozzle. A wicker basket stand works just as well and lets you pick from some fun and more neutral colors. You can also pick out a wood dispenser that looks like a beer keg to make your friends do a double-take when they stop for a drink.

You can also check out all of the designs that work for formal and casual dining occasions. A drink dispenser shaped like a pumpkin adds a fun touch to your Thanksgiving table or Halloween party. Some designs incorporate metal accents that help them stand out, such as a silver top and/or bottom. Make sure you offer guests more than just one type of drink, too. Consider a carafe dispenser for hot coffee and tea or a punch bowl for a nonalcoholic drink that's suitable for adults and kids. Get a beverage dispenser you can use at all of your parties at Bed Bath & Beyond.