When you're at a dinner party and there's only wine, no other drinks

[Anonymous]

I cannot imagine expecting anything besides water with the meal if you do not want wine. But, to me, satisfying thirst with "boring water" is just fine. I do enjoy iced tea occasionally with a meal, but I would never expect a host to offer it. And, I am not a wine drinker, either.

[Anonymous]

I like a decaf cappuccino after dinner.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I like a decaf cappuccino after dinner.

With just a hint of Madagascar cinnamon.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For a dinner party, I’d certainly offer people water, beer, wine, or coffee/tea, but it’s unlikely that I’ll have something like lemonade on hand unless there are children.

Why not have other drinks? Many people don't drink beer/wine, coffee/tea and would like something more tasty than water.

I’m in my 30s. Starting about 10 years ago whenever I had people over there would always be lots of left over soda/juice/etc after a gathering. When I turned 30, maybe one soda would get consumed at a party. So, I stopped buying them. I imagine most people are like me.

What people do drink a lot of is LaCroix, lemon or cucumber water and yes, of course beer and wine.

[Anonymous]

I expect water and hope for booze when I am invited to someone’s house. I offer other options when hosting kids or people I don’t know well, but I don’t have any friends or common acquaintances who would want anything aside from water and/or alcoholic beverages. We sometimes offer coffee after dinner, but there are seldom takers.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:For a dinner party, I’d certainly offer people water, beer, wine, or coffee/tea, but it’s unlikely that I’ll have something like lemonade on hand unless there are children.

Why not have other drinks? Many people don't drink beer/wine, coffee/tea and would like something more tasty than water.

I’m in my 30s. Starting about 10 years ago whenever I had people over there would always be lots of left over soda/juice/etc after a gathering. When I turned 30, maybe one soda would get consumed at a party. So, I stopped buying them. I imagine most people are like me.

What people do drink a lot of is LaCroix, lemon or cucumber water and yes, of course beer and wine.

31 and I love code red. Not even being funny. A 12 pack barely lasts a week at my house.

[Anonymous]

Doesn’t everyone set up a drink area with a variety of options when hosting?

And, if someone ever asks me for water, I respond: “Sure! Tap or bottled? Or, can I offer you something else? I have x, y or z.”

It’s weird to just serve wine.

[Anonymous]

Could you not find the kitchen?

Turn on the tap and pour yourself a glass of water.

If you sais to the host/hostess, "If you don't mind, I am just going to pour myself a glass of water," they will probably jump up and put a pitcher out.

People are busy and distracted when giving a dinner party. Don't act like you could not easily fix this yourself.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Wow, lots of nasty folks out today. How hard is it to just be aware not all of your guests may want to drink alcohol, and have some alternative? It's just hospitality.

+1. The aggressive alcohol pushers are really pathetic.

I agree that this is the optimal hospitality. It even has public health implications (i.e., helps people pace themselves, if they are driving). BUT, I think it is a bit over the top to act like you our stumped about how to solve the empty water glass that is sitting in front of you at dinner.

Probably if enough people asked for non-alcoholic options hosts would change their habits. It can be hard, if you don't know your guests preferences (e.g., carbonated? diet? flavored water?) Wine is pretty straightforward: white or red.

But yes, I always make sure that I have both types of beverages in when I entertain. It is also good for your children to see that you can have fun without intoxicants, TBH.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:16 gd pages. Really?

Um, yes! This thread was solid gold. A DCUM classic.

[Anonymous]

DH has 25 years in AA and we get together often with other AA members for dinner parties at each other's homes.
The drinks we offer are: bottled water and tap water, coffee, decaf sweet iced tea, decaf unsweet iced tea, diet coke, regular coke, cherry flavored sparkling water. That pretty much covers everybody.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Just do the host a favor and decline the invite next time.

[Anonymous]

Why don't you drink other types of beverages? Yes they're sugary and not healthy but how is this different than keeping cookies/pastries/cupcakes/ice cream in the house?

A large percentage of DCUM posters subsist on a cup of black coffee, water and a light dinner daily. They won't allow anyone living in their homes to enjoy a carbohydrate, much less a cookie.

This is why the teen and tween threads are filled with questions like "what do teenagers eat?" and "where can I find pants for my tall underweight tween?"

In OPs situation, it is not impolite to ask if you can help yourself some water. It's clear it was an oversight by the host.

[Anonymous]

Close relatives of mine have medical conditions such that they have to avoid alcohol. They would request water. That's all. Not make a big deal about it.

Stop the drama, OP.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Close relatives of mine have medical conditions such that they have to avoid alcohol. They would request water. That's all. Not make a big deal about it.

Stop the drama, OP.

This thread is from 2018. OP probably figured out the beverage situation in the last half-decade.