Alcohol Free Hosting and Entertaining Tips for Holidays or Any Day
Written by Kathryn D'Imperio Monday, 08 December 2008 00:33
As you prepare to host special events at your home, a banquet hall, or elsewhere, remember to keep in mind that all your guests may not be interested in the alcohol. 
Some guests may be too young, some may have health concerns or allergies, others may be recovering from addiction, and still others may simply be serving as the evening’s designated driver.
As you plan and prepare for your holiday or special occasion entertaining, make sure to keep in mind that all of your guests may not want to drink. This fact can help you when planning your holiday menu or special event beverage list. As a good host or hostess, you will want to keep the comfort and enjoyment of all your guests in mind. And remember, you can have just as much fun at a party whether alcohol free or not, as long as you have the right atmosphere and chemistry in your group of guests.
These five tips on alcohol-free hosting and entertaining are from Caron Treatment Centers, a national drug and alcohol rehabilitation facility (www.caron.org) that encourages hosts to plan a festive occasion that doesn’t center on the alcohol.
1. Get Creative: Festive drinks can be "dry.” Look to non-alcoholic drinks such as fruits, juices, ice teas and lemonades as a way to encourage healthy habits.
2. Take Drinking Out of the Party Games: Group games such as “Taboo,” Charades and “Pictionary” will keep people in stitches.
3. Stimulate Conversation: Help keep the chatter flowing by actively making introductions and introducing fun topics.
4. Don’t Make the Bar Center Stage: Place beautifully prepared and presented food and flowers at the center of the table and move the alcohol to the back of the room; make the juice bar a colorful center of attention.
5. Be Safe: For guests who do drink, make sure they have a safe way home or keep taxi numbers on hand to prevent them from leaving and driving under the influence.
It is important to make all your guests feel comfortable at your home, especially if guests are bringing a significant other, friend, or family member who may not know the rest of the guests attending the party. Remember what it feels like to be the only sober person at a party or a bar where you know only a few people? Don’t give your guests that same uncomfortable feeling.
Plan your event with everyone – and their needs – in mind. You can still offer a bar with alcoholic beverages, but don’t make it the showpiece of your party. With the right combination of good conversation, ice breakers, nonalcoholic beverage options, and delicioius menu items, even your nondrinker guests can enjoy a fabulous time at the party.
About the Expert:
Caron Treatment Centers is a national drug and alcohol rehab center helping people to begin a new life. Caron Treatment Centers has offices in Pennsylvania, New York, Florida, and Bermuda. To learn more about Caron Treatment Centers, visit on the Web at www.caron.org.
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