How to Host a "Responsible" Holiday Get-Together

Ah, the holidays. The 5+ week period from Thanksgiving right through the beginning of a New Year that promises "merriment" as well as good food and well wishes also carries with it the responsibility that comes with the serving of alcohol for any party planner. One of the biggest responsibilities for any holiday party planners is the serving of alcohol and how to make sure that everyone stays safe that decides to take partake in the "spirits" of the season.

As an Alcohol Awareness Trainer/Consultant I feel very qualified to put together a "how to" guide for safe party celebrations. It isn't as hard as you might think to control the flow of alcohol during the holidays, but there are some unique circumstances that occur during the holidays that may require special attention up to and including "cutting off" a family member or co-worker.

I also have a background in the wholesale beer distribution business, and one of the things that was consistent this time of year, every year, was the fact that people had a tendency to "trade up" and drink a slightly better brand of beer than they might normally drink the rest of the year. What comes with that is the fact the "trade up" might have a higher alcohol content to it and if the consumer is not aware of that, they will be affected much quicker even if they consume the same amount of alcohol. So first and foremost, as the party host or hostess, make sure that everyone is well aware of what is being served at the bar.

Also, you will to "control" every guest's access to the alcohol. In other words, consider hiring an "impartial" bartender, a professional if possible who won't be swayed by the pleadings of someone who will want more alcohol that should not get it. Since the affects of alcohol are progressive, a professional server is also much more likely to recognize when a consumer is still just a "hazard" or someone who may be returned to responsible behavior as opposed to an "emergency" or someone who first and foremost gets no more alcohol under any circumstances because they may cause harm to themselves or others.