Hosting friends and family is always a great opportunity to bring out your best including how you serve coffee. Just as you might put extra care into the food or tableware, offering well-brewed coffee adds a thoughtful touch to any gathering.

To help you choose the right brewing method for the occasion, here are a few options tailored to guest size, available time, and your preferred style of entertaining.

Things to Consider When Serving Coffee to Guests

Before choosing your brewing method, think about the style of your event. For larger gatherings birthdays, celebrations, or anything more formal - speed and ease of service matter most. In these cases, you’ll want to brew quickly and stay present with your guests, rather than being stuck in the kitchen.

For smaller, more casual get-togethers, you may have time to enjoy a slower, more interactive brewing method. These moments offer the chance to showcase your coffee-making skills or even brew right at the table.

Top Brewing Methods for Home Entertaining

Plunger (French Press) Coffee

One of the most efficient ways to serve multiple guests, plunger coffee is ideal for larger events. It’s fast, easy, and can be brewed in generous batches. Just add coffee and hot water, and it’s ready in minutes. Need more? Simply rinse and repeat. At Merlo, we stock a range of premium plungers to help you serve quality coffee quickly.

Bialetti Stovetop

When space is limited or you don’t have an espresso machine, a Bialetti Moka Express is a great option. It delivers rich, espresso-style coffee without the bulk of a machine. Once brewing, you can return to guests while keeping an eye on the timing, ready to turn off the heat as it finishes. It’s simple, compact, and packed with flavour.

Chemex, Pour-Over, or Syphon

For smaller, more relaxed settings, these slower methods bring a sense of ritual and theatre to your coffee service. Ideal for brewing at the table or sparking conversation, they allow you to share both coffee and the craft behind it. Merlo stocks premium Hario V60s and Chemex Classics to help elevate your pour-over presentation.

Espresso Machine

The classic go-to for café-style coffee at home, an espresso machine lets you tailor each cup to your guests’ preferences - whether it’s a latte, cappuccino, or straight espresso. While it requires your attention, it offers flexibility and personalisation, making it best suited to small, informal gatherings. Need to sharpen your barista skills? Book a Merlo coffee training session to level up.

Cold Press Coffee

Perfect for warm days, cold press coffee is a stress-free option that can be made in advance. Brew the day before and store it in the fridge so you can serve instantly when guests arrive - no brewing required, just chilled, smooth, ready-to-pour coffee. At Merlo, we offer cold drip coffee equipment designed for effortless results.

Make Coffee the Highlight of Your Next Event

No matter the size or style of your gathering, choosing the right brewing method will enhance the experience for both you and your guests. Whether you want to impress with precision or keep things relaxed and easy, there’s a method to match and Merlo has everything you need to get started.

Explore our full range of premium coffee equipment and blends online or in-store to make your next event truly memorable.