(CL) - If you're planning or hosting a social event during this holiday season - or any time of year - it is important to be responsible. This means paying attention to many details, including a strong focus on alcohol safety. Here are some important things to consider:
1. Offer alternatives. If booze is the only beverage choice, guests are more likely to over-indulge. Have a wide variety of nonalcoholic offerings, such as soft drinks, water and iced tea. You can even replicate the taste of alcoholic mixed drinks by serving "mocktails."
2. Play bartender. Don't let guests self-serve drinks - by doing so you cannot observe how much is being consumed. Be conscientious of when a person may have overindulged. Serving as bartender means you can vary the ratio of alcohol to mixer and tell guests when it's time to take a break. Stay sober yourself. This will ensure you can make safety decisions with a clear head.
3. Have snacks on hand. Drinking on an empty stomach accelerates the effects of alcohol. Have a spread of foods that can slow down the absorption of alcohol. Be pushy with the snacks so guests fill up on food and not drinks.
4. Close down the "bar." Take the focus off of drinking by stopping alcoholic beverages an hour or two before guests will be leaving. Serve a substantial snack or dessert spread with coffee to give guests time to sober up a bit. Remember, though: coffee does not counteract the effects of alcohol.
5. Assess guests. Before they leave, personally check all of the guests to make sure they are capable of getting home. If you are even slightly unsure of whether someone is impaired, make arrangements for them to be driven home, either by yourself, another sober partygoer or by a cab. You can head off confrontations by asking each party guest to hand in their keys upon entering the party, so you can keep the keys if they seem impaired when getting ready to depart.
6. Reward designated drivers. It can often be hard to resist drinking when others are enjoying themselves doing so. Have special gifts for the designated drivers, such as a key chain, gourmet candy or another treat to show your appreciation.
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