Holiday Party Tips

It’s time for the company Christmas parties once again. Everyone is planning to make this year’s parties bigger and better than ever. Ornament auctions and gift exchanges are being planned as part of the many activities. With gifts in mind, the best holiday gift one can give to friends and neighbors is preventing someone from driving after they have been drinking alcohol.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 16,653 Americans lost their lives as a result of alcohol-related crashes in 2000. That’s one life about every 32 minutes. This is tragic, since impaired driving deaths and injuries are 100 percent preventable.

Being a responsible party planner is a simple way of taking a stand against impaired driving this holiday season. Whether the party is an office party or a party in a private home, someone must be responsible for regulating the alcohol consumption, especially for drivers.

One holiday party tip is to know who is driving. Take some simple steps to assure that only unimpaired drivers leave your party. Give “Designated Driver” or “No thanks, I’m Driving” lapel stickers to drivers to wear during the party. A person can be creative and make their own stickers. Have a car keys “check-in.” Collect and tag each guest’s car keys, and at the conclusion of the party, only return keys to designated drivers. Have guests sign up for alternate transportation at the beginning of the party in case they decide to drink. Alternative transportation might include calling a family member, neighbor, taxi, police, or dial-a-ride. Some communities have towing services that provide free rides and free vehicle tows to impaired individuals.

Myron Williams, owner of All American Towing, Inc., in College Station, Texas, says “Calling for a free tow or paying for a taxi cab is cheaper than a DWI charge. Human lives are at stake here.”

Another tip for planning a party is to provide a wide range of food and activities for guests. Serve food that is high in protein and carbohydrates. Foods like cheeses and meats are especially good. These foods stay in the stomach longer, which slows the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol. Make sure a variety of beverages are available for guests, including drinks that are non-alcoholic. Beverages could include non-alcoholic eggnog and a variety of punch recipes. Remember, the designated drivers will not be drinking alcohol. Play games or dance. Action games such as cards or board games may take the focus off of drinking. Control the amount of alcohol served—no open bars. Never serve alcohol to minors. Stop serving alcohol at least two hours before the party is over so guests have time so absorb the alcohol consumed.

As a party planner, you share the responsibility for making certain each guest returns home alive. When the party is over, only return car keys to designated drivers. Ask alcohol-impaired guests to stay overnight, or use alternate transportation to get home. Whatever you do, never give in to excuses. Friends don’t let friends drink and then drive.