Responsible Hosting Checklist

In addition to carefully planning and organizing your event, here are some suggestions to help reduce the risks of alcohol-related problems when entertaining and to help ensure your guests arrive home safely.

Always provide low-alcohol and alcohol-free beverages, such as mocktails, non-alcoholic punch, pop, bottled water, tea and coffee.

Serve snacks with drinks and always have food available throughout the party to avoid drinking on an empty stomach. Avoid serving salty, sweet or greasy snack foods as guests will become thirstier. High-starch and protein foods such as meats, veggies, cheeses, light dips and breads are good choices.

Don’t plan strenuous activities when you serve alcohol. People are generally more prone to injury or mishap after drinking.

Serve drinks yourself or designate a bartender instead of having an open bar, as guests usually drink more when they serve themselves. Avoid serving doubles and keep a shot glass or jigger next to the bottles—good measurement makes all the difference.

Have a plan to deal with any guest who drinks too much. Find out how guests will be getting home from your party. Promote the use of designated drivers and keep cash and telephone numbers on hand for taxis. Encourage your guests to leave their cars at home and take public transportation, cabs or walk home. Never allow guests to drink and drive or ride with anyone who has been drinking.

Stop serving alcoholic beverages at least an hour before the party is over. Serve alcohol-free drinks (bottled water, juice, coffee and tea) and food. Remember, however, that having coffee after drinking doesn't make you sober.

Plan ahead so that it's easy to follow this advice.

As the host, drink minimally or not at all, so you can think clearly and act quickly to deal with or avoid potential problems.