Would you buy expensive fizz for guests who usually drink champagne?

[Paveparadiseputupaparkinglot]

We are hosting next weekend for two couples. They both drink a lot! We often go to theirs and one couple in particular likes expensive champagne! Now I love champagne but am equally happy with sparkling wine and Cremant. They do have more money than us so can afford to splash out more but would you get some fancy fizz in knowing they were coming?

Also how much other alcohol and what kind would you get?

We are doing a BBQ and there’s four kids too aged 7-10.

Yes there is a lovely fizz rose called the guvnor - I drink fizz not keen on champagne

I wouldn't dream of buying expensive champagne for someone in these circumstances. Buy regular drinks. I love expensive champagne, but it is something I buy for myself.

No. I'd buy some cremant from our local wine shop, not from Waitrose.

Then it's super special.

I’d make a couple of big jugs of Pimms to start them off, then just wine and beer available. Just because they serve expensive champagne doesn’t mean you have to!

There are some decent sparkling wines that cost a lot less than champagne- this cremant for example (which is also on special offer) https://www.waitrosecellar.com/products/cave-de-lugny-cremant-de-bourgogne-blanc-de-blancs-nv-083927?gclsrc=aw.ds&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=19754104040&gbraid=0AAAAAD2mEOaiJ6l8fUdHBdkqjCqrSpkWO&gclid=Cj0KCQjwzqXQBhD2ARIsAKrIeU8eJo7QlHK4U2WoKqoywUOLRScd2-jXvLf861F0CSwtPBFMZbLuzjoaAstsEALw_wcB

Just buy what you want to serve- you don't need to serve champagne just because they do.

No.
If someone is visiting, and specifically wants something, they will bring it along to add to 'the table'.

If I am hosting a BBQ, I would probably put some beers one ice, get some soft drinks out, make up a couple of jugs of Pimms, and put some white wine in the fridge.

Always Cremant. Don't bother with champagne, it’s basically the same stuff anyway.

There are some good fizz drinks. Just don’t give them Prosecco!

There's plenty of good cremant that is a good as Champers!

A lot of champagne I find very average, unless it's vintage. Go with what you like and can afford. They'll probably bring something with them that they like anyway. Don't sweat it.

Cremant is perfectly acceptable! I prefer it to all other fizzes.

Nyetimber, Ridgeview and Chapel Down are lovely English bubbles and frequently on offer in S and W. Cremant is lovely too. Or why not make some fizzy cocktails then you can disguise any cheaper offerings! No guest of mine would worry about the cost of the fizz. It’s all about the company. I very rarely buy champagne.

I like to serve what people like to drink when I host so I would. Not if it was causing hardship of course.

Bird in the hand is a lovely sparking pinot noir. I hate The sound of it but it’s so delicious!

If Champagne is their thing, it doesn't have to be yours. A jug of welcome Pimm's is a good idea, as PP has suggested. As it's a BBQ, a Lagerita is a quirky drink to serve margarita (I use Costco's) and Corona. Tastes like lager and lime, and it's quite strong to get the party started.

i would just tell them the expensive champagne is out of your budget but you will have XXX available on the day. That way if they want it they can bring it

A Cremant from Waitrose or a good quality Cava ( I prefer Cava to champagne). If they bring champagne then serve it to them. Allow for 4 bottles for 4 guests plus a jug of Pimm’s maybe and soft drinks for the kids. There’ll probably be bottle left over.

I’m sure they will bring a bottle so just make sure they get most of it!

I'd buy Cava or Prosecco and if they want champagne they will bring it. I never notice much difference to be fair but am not a fan of fizzy wine - which it all is. The name only relates to where it comes from, not whether it vastly superior or not - at least if you are not spending big bucks.

Personally I’d get one nice bottle and then a few bottles of Carre Perseval Brut Champagne from Sainsburys for £15.99. Go before Tuesday and it’s 25% off 6 bottles and that can include your nice bottle and some wine as well as the cheap champagne. The reviews speak for themselves - it’s not horrible nasty champagne. I’m a champagne drinker

Absolutely no need to serve expensive champagne when hosting a BBQ. It's just a normal social event, no one (reasonable) would expect this. Just get some mid priced cremant or cava along with other drinks. Don't feel the pressure to blow your budget to keep up appearances with these guests.

Much as I like a nice champagne, a Cremant or Cava is a great choice for a social occasion. It goes down easily, and no-one feels guilty about downing it.

Your friends are co,ing to spend time with you and have fun. Don’t worry about it.

No way would I be buying champagne for a BBQ.

Anyway, they will probably bring you a bottle, won't they?

If the forecast is hot you could dodge the whole issue by making up jugs of Pimms or Mojito or something.

If you do want fizz, Cremant de Bourgogne is the best, IMO.

Ok thanks for the input! We have never hosted them before so just wondered what others would do! It’s next Saturday and weather meant to be great so fingers crossed. I had thought about Pimm’s actually too! The other couple are traveling an hour and a half to us and staying the night with us but we have hosted them a few times and they’re pretty easy going. Wish I didn’t overthink these things!

I would buy English sparkling and serve that - I particularly enjoy Chapel Down and that usually goes down well at our BBQ’s.