How to Host a Cocktail Party Responsibly

As the party host, it is your responsibility to make sure there is enough to eat, plenty to drink and that your guests are enjoying themselves. The main focus of a cocktail party is getting together to have a few drinks. Because of this, it presents additional issues that may not be present when hosting other parties. Being responsible when hosting a cocktail party doesn't mean that you can't enjoy yourself.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Non-alcoholic drinks
• High-protein food
• Starchy, high-carbohydrate food
• Measured pour spouts

1. Offer food. This ensures that none of your guests will be drinking on an empty stomach.

2. Watch you alcohol intake. Limiting the amount of alcoholic drinks you consume will enable you to behave responsibly and keep an eye on your guests. Becoming intoxicated will only cloud your judgment.

3. Observe guests that might be drinking too much. If you think some guests may be overindulging, discreetly offer them something to eat and a non-alcoholic beverage.

4. Use measured pour spouts on liquor bottles. This ensures that mixed drinks are not made too strong. You can buy them cheaply at any party store.

5. Stop serving alcohol before the party ends. Give last call an hour or more before the party ends.

6. Get your guests home safely. There are many ways to do this. Designate drivers, hire a car service or keep numbers to cab companies close at hand.

7. Stay near the door when the party is ending. Saying goodbye to as many guests as possible will help ensure that those who should not be driving do not get behind the wheel.

Tips & Warnings

• Be sure to offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks so your guests have a choice.
• Keep high-protein and high-carbohydrate foods handy. These foods slow the rate of alcohol absorption.
• Always be discreet and respectful when addressing intoxicated guests. This will prevent angry confrontations.
• Insist and persist. If an intoxicated guest is adamant about driving, keep insisting that they do not drive, and don't let them get behind the wheel. If all else fails, offer to drive them home yourself.
• Enlist the help of others. If your guests are leaving all at once, have a sober friend help you monitor the door so that not one of your guests drives home drunk.
• Don't serve salty foods such as pretzels or peanuts. The high salt content in both of these foods will make guests want to drink more.

Resources

• Information on how to serve alcohol responsibly is available at cocktailtimes.com
• Madd.org offers examples of responsible behavior for before, during and after a party