Being a Responsible Host & Guest is as Easy as ABC
Author: Living Well Eating Smart Registered Dietitian Team
Throughout the next few weeks, as you find yourself hosting and attending holiday parties, here’s what you need to keep in mind as you celebrate safely.
Registered Dietitian, Andrea Luttrell, is here to discuss tips to keep in mind during the holiday season.
When You're the Host!
When attending as a host, it’s easy to focus your attention on planning appetizers, desserts, alcoholic beverages and décor. But one area can often be overlooked: having an appealing selection of non-alcoholic beverages to choose from.
Incorporate the same level of care when planning non-alcoholic beverage selections. If guests drinking champagne and mixed cocktails have a full selection of stemware and cut fruit, be sure to offer the equivalent to guests who prefer sparkling water or a fruity mocktail.
Maintain a pressure-free environment. Don’t assume your guests will want an alcoholic beverage. Instead, ask questions such as “What can I get you to drink?” If they pass on alcohol, don’t probe to find out why.
Make sure guests aren’t drinking on an empty stomach. Whether serving shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers or a full meal, always provide something to eat if serving alcohol to help slow its absorption.
When You are a Guest!
When attending as a guest, have a plan in place for how you’ll return home safely. If you do choose to drink, have a designated driver, opt for a ride service or plan to spend the night beforehand.
Drink moderately. For women, that means having one drink per day and for men, no more than two drinks1. If you tend to drink more in social situations, alternate drinking alcoholic beverages with non-alcoholic beverages.
If under the legal drinking age, don’t try to obtain an alcoholic beverage. While family and friends might be more apt to share a glass of wine during holiday celebrations, it is still against the law. Avoid putting family or friends in uncomfortable situations.
1 U.S. Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Dietary Guidelines for Americans, 2020-2025. 9th Edition. December 2020. Available at DietaryGuidelines.gov.
Published 12/20/2021; Reviewed 12/1/2022