Holiday Party tips to make your event safe and enjoyable

• Plan lots of group activities -- like party games. The popularity of board games for adults makes this activity socially acceptable.
• Make sure there are plenty of nutritious foods -- vegetable dips, cheeses, finger sandwiches -- so guests will not drink on empty stomachs.
• Avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.
• Offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for the designated driver and others who prefer not to drink alcohol.
• If preparing an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base like fruit juice. Alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream faster with a carbonated base.
• Ask guests to appoint a designated driver before the evening begins. This person drinks only non-alcoholic beverages to ensure that friends or loved ones get home safety.
* Be honest when inviting guests who are known to drink to excess. Tell them that drinking and driving is unacceptable at the party. Get their agreement to find alternative modes of transportation.
• Arrange for discounted or complimentary rooms when a party is held at a hotel so employees won't drive home impaired.
• Hire a shuttle or limousine service to provide transportation home for those who have been drinking. Promote the designated driver concept and these alternative forms of transportation in your invitations.
• If you provide an open bar, be sure the bartender has had server training to prevent over-serving or serving guests under age 21.
• Hold a contest for employees to create non-alcoholic drink recipes. Serve the winners' drinks at the party.
• Schedule activities or entertainment to keep the focus away from drinking. As a party progresses, whether in a home or at a commercial establishment, such as a restaurant or hotel, there are other measures that can be followed so everyone has a good time and is kept relatively safe:
• Never serve alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age, and never ask children to serve alcohol at parties.
• Don't let guests mix their own drinks. Choosing a reliable "bartender" will help you keep track of the size and number of drinks that guests consume.
• Never force a drink on a guest.
• Close the bar 90 minutes before the party ends and serve a dessert treat with coffee. However, hosts need to remember only time sobers someone who has been drinking. Coffee and other mythical concoctions will not have an effect.
• If, despite your efforts, some of your guests have had too much to drink, drive them home, arrange a ride with another guest who is sober, call a taxi, or invite them to stay over.