The Responsible Host

Entertaining at home can be a fun time for everyone, but for the hosts, entertaining also comes complete with responsibility.

As a host, it is up to you to ensure that your guests make it home safely when your party ends. With a little advance planning, this can be an easy task to manage.

Take Charge
Establish rules and let your guests know that no one drives away from your party under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Let your guests know that excessive drinking is not accepted or welcomed at your celebration. Establish a time limit on your party.

Plan Activities
Make sure that drinking in not the principal activity. Plan games or other activities to get everyone socializing without drinking.

Use a Key Drop
Ask your guests to leave their keys at the door. Don't return the keys unless you feel it is safe to do so.

Name Designated Drivers
Decide in advance who will stay sober and drive drinking guests home.

Serve High Protein Food
This type of food stays in the stomach longer and slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.

Use Non-carbonated Mixers
Carbonated mixers speed the absorption of alcohol into the body.

Serve Alternative Beverages
Provide non-alcoholic drinks for guests who want them. Encourage guests who are drinking alcohol to alternate alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages.

Don't Push Drinks
If you do this, your guests may give in to peer pressure, or just fear offending you, and take a drink they don't really want.

Measure Every Drink
Guests are less likely to drink to excess if they can accurately keep track of the amount they have had to drink. Use a measurer to pour drinks. Standard alcoholic beverages are 1 oz. of alcohol to a minimum of 6 oz. of mix. Short pouring a drink by 1/4 of an oz. will not affect the taste, but will reduce the amount of alcohol your guest is consuming at your party.

If a Guest does Drink to Excess
Take control. If you have any doubt about their safety, don't let them drive. Offer them a place to stay to "sleep it off". Remember, as the host you may be held legally liable for the damages caused by an impaired driver who over indulged at your party.