The Seasonal Water & Refreshment Station

The station should be near clean water, glasses, refrigeration where needed, and the area where drinks are usually consumed.

Avoid placing it in direct sun or near heat-sensitive items. Keep the route clear.

Offer still water, chilled water where preferred, and sparkling water. Do not assume water requires flavouring.

Plain water should remain visible and easy to access.

Possible vessels include a glass bottle, carafe, jug, insulated bottle, or covered dispenser. Choose based on temperature, duration, number of people and ease of cleaning.

Avoid overly heavy or difficult-to-pour containers.

Use a small number of suitable glasses. For guests, ensure there are enough without overcrowding the station - everyday tumblers, small water glasses, or reusable outdoor cups.

Store clean glasses upside down only where appropriate and hygienic.

For gatherings or weekends, add iced tea, homemade lemonade with controlled sweetness, sparkling fruit drink, cold brew tea, or seasonal cordial.

Keep the offering limited - water plus one additional drink is often enough.

Possible additions include coasters, napkins, a bottle opener, an ice bucket, a small waste bowl for citrus, labels where several drinks are present, and a tray to contain drips.

Do not add decoration that makes serving more difficult.

Replace warm water, wilted herbs, old citrus, melting ice and used glasses. Clean the containers thoroughly between uses.

A refreshment station should communicate freshness.