Tips for hosting a sober party

Smart socializing for adults includes knowing what to have and when to stop. Here are some tips for mature mingling.

Make it a social occasion. Create an environment where people can move around and mingle. Plan activities to keep the focus of the party on the people, not the drinks.

Use a bartender. Hire someone or use a responsible friend. They can provide responsible 1.5-ounce pours and keep track of how much the guests are drinking.

Don't push the cocktails. If a bartender isn't used, serve drinks about once an hour. Don't offer to refill guests' drinks unless their glass is empty.

Serve regular-strength drinks. Don't create a drink that is too strong for the guests. If people have mixed drinks with too much alcohol, they may not be able to keep track of or pace their drinking.

The drink menu. Make sure plenty of nonalcoholic drinks are on hand. Not everyone drinks alcohol beverages and some people like to pace out their drinks with water.

Make mocktails. Mix a creative nonalcoholic punch for those who don't drink. Consider providing nonalcoholic beer and wine or have some interesting juices and gourmet sodas.

Feed the people. Provide an exciting food menu that complements the cocktail menu. If the party has no servers, place the snacks strategically around the party so people have easy access to them. Always keep the snack trays full.

Alternative transportation. Plan ahead. Offer guests the opportunity to sleep at the house, find a sober guest willing to drive them, or call a taxi service.

Be a sober host. Recognize that drinking too much at your own party may impair your ability to be responsible toward the guests.

The party's over. Let guests know when the party has ended. Stop serving cocktails at least one hour before. Wind down the party with coffee and dessert before people drive home.

This story is provided by North American Precis Syndicate Inc.