The following are a few suggestions for hosting responsibly to help keep the “spirits” in check.
· Don’t rely on coffee to sober up your guests. Only time can undo the effects of alcohol. It takes more than one hour for an average mixed drink, glass of wine or bottle of beer to be processed by the liver. Coffee, cold showers and other “remedies” do not affect the blood alcohol level or improve motor skills and reaction time.
· Don’t make drinking the main activity of the party. Engage guests with games, door prizes, music and other activities.
· Provide plenty of food, which will help slow the absorption of alcohol and divert attention from alcoholic beverages.
· Don’t push drinks. Foster an attitude that drinking is not required for merrymaking.
· Have enticing alternatives for those who prefer not to drink. A delicious virgin punch, eggnog, daiquiri or sparkling apple cider will help those who choose not to drink still feel welcomed into the party spirit. If a guest appears to be drinking heavily, offer to freshen his or her drink with a nonalcoholic version.
· Have a car pool with designated drivers ready. If someone has had too much to drink, take command of the situation and don’t let that person drive.
· Call a taxi service or be ready to put a guest up for the night during the holiday season to avoid letting a guest drive under the influence. (See related story, page 7.)
— Morris News Service
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