ADEREMI OGUNDARE writes about the trend of using blood bags and lanterns to serve drinks at parties as organisers seek to become more ‘creative’ at what they do.
What makes a party interesting? There must be something new or mind-blowing at the event that will make it unforgettable, from the grandeur of the event centre itself, how spectacular the party decoration is, or how exquisite the food served is. Sometimes, it is the dressing of the guests. At other times, it is the artiste that performed at the event or a new dance step.
Whatever it may be, Nigerians have always found something to incorporate to make that ‘owambe’ event something to talk about.
Now, the latest fad is the use of lanterns and blood bags as drinking vessels at parties.
In recent time, there has been a surge in the popularity of lantern and blood bag in serving cocktail drinks to party guests. The lantern comes with a straw which the guest will insert into it in order to be able to sip the drink easily.
The reason this ‘innovation’ has sparked reactions is because this is the same kerosene lamps used several years back to lighten a room when there was power outage at night.
Also trending is the use blood bag to package drinks like cocktail, juice, zobo and so on in parties.
Findings show that this concept was first introduced at Halloween parties in the Western world. Blood bags can fit perfectly with a medical or horror theme, adding to the overall ambience of such parties. Now, party organisers in the country have found it interesting to import this concept into their events.
As much as serving of drinks in lanterns or blood bags may seem like a creative or unique idea, some people have observed that there is the need to consider how guests would feel when they see such and if the safety aspect is intact.
There is also a viral video online wherein some guests at a social event were spotted drinking from lanterns.
Ibrahim Kaze, a Facebook user, reacted: “Do not just conclude negatively, if we look at it sociologically there is a deep meaning.”
Beauty Chika posted: “Maybe the lady has a dark side they need to lighten up inside her.”
Ridwan Awemo wrote: “Shebi one guy say he dey buy this kain lantern for one million naira.”
@endieepeal posted, “They will soon start teaching innocent people how to smoke in the name of creativity.”
@anvawislp, also posted: “How will they clean it after use? I don’t think it can be properly washed.”
@biggy345 posted: “There is nothing wrong in the use of the lantern, it adds colour to the event. It is only poor people that will find this strange. Rich people have creative minds and know how to encourage such level creativity.”
Another social media user, @yemty1, who reacted to a video showing guests drinking out of blood bags posted: “Why will someone package our natural zobo inside blood bag? It is annoying, looking at the colour of the zobo inside the blood bag is irritating. Must we copy white people in all things? Who made us like this?”
Nigerian Tribune conducted interviews with members of the public to sample the opinions of people on the above trends.
Ifeoluwa Ogundipe, an entrepreneur, said, “I can still take a drink in a lantern, but I cannot take that of the blood bag because my brain will register it as taking blood.”
Kemi Akinmodun a lecturer, said, “It is not ideal and it is a very classless way of serving party drinks.”
Deborah Olaitan, a hotelier, reacted: “It may be an innovative and creative idea really, but I cannot take the drink if I am not close to the party organiser to be sure how hygienic it is.”
Maureen Obasohan, a food store owner, said, “Personally, I do not like it. It looks strange to drink with what I used to know as kerosene lantern; it is ridiculous.”
Fisayo Aina, an accountant, said: “My Nigerian mentality will not allow me to drink from either of the containers because I know what they were originally used for. I cannot.”
Esther Ogedengbe, a medical doctor, said: “I will be surprised initially, but I will commend the creativity. I cannot tell if I will drink from the containers for now. As a medical doctor, I believe that the lantern is just for aesthetics or for fancy, and most likely, it is not the same ones that were used for kerosene that are reused. So, I think it can be safe to use, but one needs to also be sure of the content inside it.”
Timileyin Jacob, an online financial tutor, said: “I will drink it. It does not look harmful and inasmuch as the content has been confirmed to be good, I think there is nothing to be worried about. It is someone’s idea to make the party lively and I think it is commendable.
“Rather than criticise it, I think we should appreciate it so that more people can come up such good ideas. If we do not appreciate creative ideals they will not blossom and as such it may cause damage to a creative mind.”
Shammah Adekola, an entrepreneur in the food and beverage industry, said: “Drinking from the lantern does not bring out the beauty of the beverage being served. There are different cups that are used to serve different drinks; there is a cup for bear, hot chocolate, juice, cocktail, mocktail, using lantern or blood bag to serve cocktail does not make it presentable.
“As a trained personnel, I will say it is not so ideal. When you are transferring the cocktail into the lantern how careful are you? Then, consider what is used in making the lantern, is it metal? There are reasons why drinks are served in various cups. I think we should stick to that to avoid doing more harm than good to the party guests.”
Alice Oludare, an event planner, said: “I give what the client wants, but I buy whatever will be used from a good source and make sure they are in good shape before use. The lantern will be thoroughly washed before they are used at the party. There is nothing wrong in such a presentation, it is a good innovation and it should be allowed to thrive for the sake of those who appreciate creativity.
“Life is in diversity and we cannot all like the same thing. One man’s food is another man’s poison. What I like you may not like and what I appreciate you may not appreciate. It all depends on individual preferences. It is my duty to make my clients happy and get value for their money.”
Rev. Soji Adekola, a clergyman, said: “Any decent person will not be able to drink from any of the two. I personally will not even collect from the server, let alone drink it. This is weird and the vendors rendering such services need to look into it. Food and drink must always be presented decently. That presentation is running against the norm and far from creativity. Our youth need to be careful on what they call creativity and decency.”
Safety considerations
In choosing a vessel to serve drinks, experts have highlighted certain things to consider. These include:
Material safety: Ensure that the blood-grade materials are safe for serving drinks. Not all drinks may be suitable for serving in blood bags, as some may be too thick or contain sediment that can clog the bag.
Allergic reactions: Some guests may have allergies or phobias related to medical equipment or blood, so consider providing alternative serving options.
Overall, using lanterns and blood bags to serve drinks can be a creative and attention-grabbing idea, but it is essential to prioritise hygiene, safety, and guest comfort.
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