TIPS ON BEING A RESPONSIBLE HOST

If you're hosting a party, you certainly want to be a responsible host. This means paying attention to many details, and insuring that all goes according to your plans. Here are several suggestions:
Remember how important it is to plan things carefully!
Alcohol, if served, should not be a major focus of the event. Consider a theme party; play non-drinking games.
Make sure that you know the facts about alcohol about drinking and driving about your liabilities as a host if one of your guests gets injured at your party (or after your party) about dealing with drunk individuals. There's lots to know -ask if you don't know!
Keep an eye on your guests - to insure that they're having a good time, and to be sure that no behavior gets out of control.
It you're serving an alcoholic punch, use non-carbonated beverages in it; this helps slow the absorption rate of alcohol.
It you're serving alcohol, be sure to serve attractive non-alcoholic alternative beverages. Non-alcoholic punch recipes are availble at the Drug Education Center.
Serve some tasty food - this doesn't have to expensive! This helps slow the absorption rate of the alcohol.
Respect guests who don't want to drink, or have decided to slow down or stop for the evening.
Measure your drinks - this keeps guests' behavior in line, and limits the amount of your alcohol that is consumed!
Stay sober yourself - you never know when you'll have to be in charge of dealing with an emergency!
Serve an alternative beverage such as coffee an hour or so before the party ends. Realize that this does not help someone sober up, but it does allow for time to pass before they leave.
Take special note of your guests who will be driving home. Make sure that they stay sober enough to drive safely-, encourage them to stop drinking early.
When it's time to leave, be sure that the drivers can drive safely. If not, find someone else to drive, play the game "find the car keys" with them, call a taxi, or find them a place to stay. You certainly don't want to have to wonder whether or not they made it home OK!
Clean up the area where the party was held -- outside the facility is very important!
You can certainly think of more tips from your experience - share these with your friends, and ask them for their suggestions as you plan your party!