How to Throw an Alcohol-Safe Party

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By eHow Contributing Writer

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As a responsible party host, see to it that your guests return home safely. Although the safest approach is to throw an alcohol-free party, there are steps you can take to minimize the risk of abuse if you decide to serve alcohol. These suggestions follow the guidelines of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

Coffees
Desserts
Nonalcoholic Beverages

Step 1

Be cautious about your guest list. Don't hesitate to speak in advance to guests who are known to drink excessively. Have them arrange alternate modes of transportation.
Step 2

Be sure to have lots of food on hand so that your guests do not drink on empty stomachs.
Step 3

Consider using a noncarbonated base, such as fruit juice, if you plan to serve an alcoholic punch, so that alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream at a slower rate.
Step 4

Be sure to have plenty of nonalcoholic drinks available. Create an environment where people who don't drink alcohol won't feel pressured to do so.
Step 5

Serve as few salty snacks as possible. Thirsty guests tend to drink more.
Step 6

Plan lots of group activities, such as party games, to keep the focus of the party away from drinking.
Step 7

Before the party begins, have your guests determine designated drivers who will not drink any alcohol.
Step 8

Instead of letting guests mix their own drinks, appoint a "bartender" who can limit and keep track of the amount of alcohol each guest consumes.
Step 9

Close the bar 90 minutes before the party ends. Serve coffee and dessert for the remainder of the party.
Step 10

If any guests have had too much to drink, arrange alternate rides home or invite them to stay over.

Comments

Anonymous said

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on 11/22/2005 If you've got guests that won't leave in morning, suggest that everyone go out to have breakfast at a nearby diner or fast food joint. It's a lot easier to do the "It's been a great night, see you guys later" thing away from home.

on 11/22/2005 Don't let seriously intoxicated guests travel home alone. This is especially true for female guests. You never know if someone might try to take advantage of their drunkeness.

on 11/22/2005 Provide some incentives (free food and non-alcohol drinks, or door prizes) or recognition for guests that offer to act as designated drivers.