Keep the Life of the Party Alive
When You Host a Party, You're Responsible for Your Guests' Safety
A party is a great time to see old friends and meet new people. But it's a fact that alcohol-related accidents kill hundreds of people every year. These tips will help hosts and hostesses plan parties that all guests will enjoy. Consult with your party rental professional for party needs, from tables and chairs to china, glassware, decorations, disposable goods and more.
Before the Party
The best way to avoid the possibility of drunken driving after a party is to take some practical steps before the party begins. As host or hostess, your careful planning can lessen the danger of alcohol abuse. Think about the refreshments you'll serve, and about the way that you will serve them.
1. Always offer food when alcohol is served
• Tasty snacks are not only a delicious addition to any party, they can also slow the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol
• High-protein foods like cheese and meats are especially good because they stay in the stomach longer than other foods
• To make your protein choices interesting, choose an assortment of fresh cheeses with crackers, cheese balls, cheese dips, cheese fondue and cheese pizza
• Hard-boiled, pickled or deviled eggs are simple, inexpensive high-protein appetizers
• Hors d'oeuvres with meat can include ham or sausage biscuits, Swedish meatballs and broiled chicken livers
• Bite-size cold cuts are easy on the budget
• If you have a little more to spend, sliced beef or turkey is great, as is seafood like shrimp, lobster and crab meat with a dip
• A tray of crisp vegetables like carrots, celery, cauliflower, radishes and even squash with a protein dip like cream cheese or sour cream add variety to your food mix
2. Have several jiggers at the bar so mixed drinks can be measured
• Guests are less likely to drink to excess if standard drink measures are used
• If guests mix their own drinks, keep a jigger in plain site for their use
• Better yet, buy inexpensive self-measuring one-ounce spouts to place on bottles of alcohol
3. If you serve an alcoholic punch, make it with a non-carbonated base
• Alcohol is absorbed by the body much faster when combined with a carbonated mixer such as ginger ale
• Fruit juice or tea are preferable bases for party punches
4. Have nonalcoholic beverages available
• It's highly likely that some of your guests will not wish to drink alcohol
• Persons taking certain medications should not consume alcohol - make it easier for them to comply with doctor's orders
• Serve soft drinks, coffee or a nonalcoholic punch
During the Party
When guests arrive, be sure they are aware of all their eating and drinking options. Although you want your guests to enjoy themselves, you don't want them to overdo it.
1. Don't force drinks on your guests
• Don't rush to refill guests' glasses the minute they become empty
• Be aware that many guests will accept drinks they really don't want to avoid appearing rude to the host or hostess
2. Stop serving alcohol at least an hour before the party is to end
• During the last hour, put out coffee or some other nonalcoholic beverage
• Top off the evening with a special food feature like pizza or quiche
• Be mindful, neither coffee nor any other drink will help a person sober-up - only time can do that
• By emphasizing nonalcoholic drinks toward the end of the party, you give your guests extra time for their bodies to absorb the alcohol they have consumed
3. If you observe a guest drinking too much…
• Try to engage him or her in conversation to slow down consumption
• Offer food that will also slow down the rate at which the body is absorbing alcohol
