Be a Responsible Host: Know the Facts The winter holidays are a time to enjoy the company of family, friends, and coworkers. Whether you are planning a dinner, informal gathering, or holiday party, your job as host is very important. Your many responsibilities include planning the menu or catering, organizing entertainment and considering space arrangements. However, some of the most crucial details can be overlooked in all the frenzy. Perhaps your most important responsibility as host for a party or gathering where alcohol is involved is to take steps to ensure your guests' safety both during and after the celebration. Drinking and driving is an all too familiar and tragic combination. More people are on the road, and they are also consuming alcohol as a part of their holiday celebrations. Statistics like the ones highlighted below remind us how important it is to plan an event where non-alcoholic beverages and alternative transportation options are available. Tips for Party Givers Avoid making alcohol the main focus of social events. Entertain guests with music, dancing, games, food, and lively conversation. Did you know that one in three adults prefers a non-alcoholic beverage? Make sure to offer plenty of non-alcoholic choices such as sparkling water, fancy juice drinks, and soft drinks. Provide guests with nutritious and appealing foods to slow the effects of alcohol. High protein and carbohydrate foods like cheese and meats are especially good. They stay in the stomach much longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol. Avoid salty foods that encourage people to drink more. Require bartenders to measure the correct amount of liquor into drinks (no doubles) and instruct them not to serve anyone who appears to be impaired. Have the bartender check the ID of anyone who appears to be under the age of 30 (no ID, no alcohol). Stop serving drinks at least 1 hour before the end of the event. Instead, serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages, and desserts at that time. Recruit people ahead of time who will not be drinking to help you make sure everyone has a safe ride home. When the Party's Over Your responsibility as a host is even more important at this point. Should any of your guests be unable to drive due to alcohol impairment, be sure to provide several options. Below are a few suggestions: Be prepared to offer your guests alternate forms of transportation. Know what "safe ride" programs are available in your area.Keep the phone numbers of several cab companies handy. If your event will be held in or close to a hotel, encourage guests ahead of time to book rooms for the night. Provide drinkers with alternatives to driving. Offer your place to spend the night. Call a taxi. Ask someone who was not drinking to drive your friend home. Don't let anyone who has been drinking drive. If the drinker insists, take the keys, ask for help from other guests, or temporarily disable the car. If all else fails, say you will call the police (and do so). Be responsible Stay safe AND HAVE A GREAT TIME, Jorge and Blanca Fernandez de Cordova www.proudparty.com
Source: http://www.ArticlePros.com/author.php?Jorge and Blanca Fernandez de Cordova
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