Beer and Socializing - 5 Rules
Monday, November 2, 2009 by Allen
- Keep it cold!
I've been to some parties where the refrigeration is lacking. Usually the fridge is full of veggies or condiments - stuff not required for the gathering. Also, guests don't usually arrive until an hour after you actually invited them. So those that actually came on time will need a place to store the drinks they, hopefully, brought with them while you wait for more guests. Whether it's a cooler with tons of ice or just knowing to throw out stuff from the fridge the night before the big day, refrigeration is a must. Room temperature beer and drinks are a big no-no and will kill your party. - Keep it fresh!
If you're hosting, make sure the beer you are serving is recently bought. Don't bring out the leftovers from last Thanksgiving to serve your guests. Most likely, that beer has seen better days and is probably skunked. You wouldn't serve stale chips or salmonella chicken wings would you?! Same rule applies to beer. If you're a guest, same goes for you. Don't bring the stuff you just want to "get rid of". Be courteous. Buy fresh. It helps the party be a hit. - Snacks!
As important as it is to have fresh, cold beer, the snacks need to be awesome. Some standards are Doritos, pretzels, or perhaps tater tots. Anything salty or spicy is good and helps to clear the palate and keep people active by munching and drinking. I really like these Snyder's Honey Wheat pretzels. Sure to be a hit at any party. - Have proper disposal receptacles within reach!
Make sure recycling bins are clearly marked for bottles and cans. You don't want your guests to guess where to put their empty canisters and end up putting them anywhere and everywhere. Eventually, they will all start piling up, people will bump into them, knock them over, and the next thing you know, there's a pile of shattered glass on your floor that you, the host, has to clean it up. Preempt this by having ample trash receptacles everywhere. - Bring your own!
This is to all the guests of parties - bring your own beer! What better way to share your beer adventures and tastes than by bringing and introducing new flavors to friends? It helps to increase the variety of drinks at the party and gives people choices. No one wants to get stuck drinking Miller Lite all night. If all guests chip in to the variety, better quality beers can be had and enjoyed by all. This will ultimately make the party a great hit.
shot you eat the same pretzels i do
what girls are you trying to get to know better? shot.
i'm writing for the single guys out there...
I just went to a party on Halloween and the Sierra Nevada was skunked. That was garbage. Also, the bottle opener was attached to a counter - very inconvenient. Make sure you have ample bottle openers!
Maybe Allen wants to get to know his wife better over a beer!
Honestly I've had great experiences with BYOB. There's no chance of getting disappointed and the variety is through the roof.