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Safe Holiday Hosting
The holidays are a time of fun and festivities! When gathering with friends, co-workers and family, it is important that we keep our holiday events safe & FUN! Below is a list of guidelines that will help to keep the holidays safe and enjoyable!
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Alcohol should not be offered to individuals under 21!
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Please do not allow anyone who has been drinking to get behind the wheel of a car.
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Pregnant women or individuals with health problems such as liver disease should not consume alcohol.
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Persons with certain psychiatric problems and those who take medications such as sedatives should abstain from alcohol.
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Limit your daily alcohol intake. Alcohol affects people in different ways. Specifically, men should limit their consumption to no more than two drinks a day on no more than five days per week. Women should limit their intake to no more than one drink per day on no more than five days per week.
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Serve “mocktails.” Always serve a variety of non-alcoholic alternatives for anyone who wants them. Coffee, punch, sodas and fun non-alcoholic party drinks are essential. In a trend to become healthier, more and more South Carolinians are reducing and eliminating alcohol from their diets.
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Never drink alcohol on an empty stomach or when you’re tired or upset. People who drink under these conditions tend to feel the effects of alcohol faster and after fewer drinks.
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Eat when you drink. Foods that are high in proteins and carbohydrates, such as meats and cheeses, are especially good because they remain in the stomach longer, slowing the rate at which the body absorbs alcohol.
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Steer clear of salty foods. Chips, nuts and similar snacks make you thirsty, which in turn makes you want to drink more.
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Avoid using carbonated beverages as mixers. Your body will absorb the alcohol at a slower rate if you use juice or water instead.
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Keep the phone numbers of several cab companies handy.
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Don't let guests mix their own drinks. Choosing a reliable "bartender" will help you keep track of the size and number of drinks that guests consume.
Remember to keep these holiday hosting tips with you as you celebrate the holidays! LRADAC wants you to be safe this holiday season! For more information on preventing alcohol-related tragedies this holiday season call LRADAC at 733-1390.
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Holidays are especially dangerous because more people celebrate by over-drinking, making themselves susceptible to alcohol-related troubles.
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Impaired driving can occur with very low blood alcohol percentages. For most people, even one drink can affect driving skills.
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Coffee cannot sober up someone who has had too much to drink. Only time can do that. It takes one hour to metabolize one drink.
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More than half of Americans are not current drinkers.
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A 12 ounce bottle of beer, a 5 ounce glass of wine or a shot of hard liquor are each about the same amount of alcohol and will cause impairment.
How do I approach one of my guests who has had too much to drink?
The first time is the hardest, but your actions could save your friend's life or that of an innocent victim. Pull your guest aside and politely, but firmly, tell them that you cannot let them drive home because you care. Offer to let the guest spend the night, call a cab or ask another, sober guest to drive the intoxicated person home.
How will I be held responsible if one of my guests is involved in a crash?
The laws vary from state to state, but you could be held responsible for the costs associated with the crash including medical bills and property damage and be sued for emotional pain and suffering.
The South Carolina Supreme Court ruled this year that “consonant with our duty to declare the common law, we hold that henceforth adult social hosts who knowingly and intentionally serve, or cause to be served, an alcoholic beverage to a person they know or should know is between the ages of 18 and 20 are liable to the person served, and to any other person, for damages proximately caused by the host's service of alcohol.”
Recipes for Non-Alcoholic Beverages
(The next time you plan a party, show your guests that you’ve made a special effort to provide something that appeals to everyone, including the growing number of non-drinkers!)
Hot Apple Cider
1 qt. apple cider, 8 whole allspice, 12 whole cloves, (2) 2 inch cinnamon sticks, ¼ cup sugar. Bring above to a boil and stir. Cool 12 hours or more. Heat spiced cider before serving.
Coffee Punch
½ gallon vanilla ice cream, 1qt. commercial chocolate milk, 1 qt. strong coffee. Mix some vanilla ice cream with other tow ingredients. Then float rest of ice cream on top. It also freezes well. Add a little sugar if you want it sweeter. Serves 25 or 30 cups.
Orange Julius
½ cup orange juice, ½ tsp. vanilla, ½ cup milk, ½ cup water, ¼ cup sugar, 6 ice cubes. Combine all ingredients in blender or food processor until desired consistency. Serve.
Recipes for High-Protein Party Foods
(High protein party foods act as a buffer and slow down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.)
Southwestern Spinach Dip
1 large package of Velveeta cheese, 1 pack of frozen chopped spinach (thawed and drained), 1 can of diced chilies and tomatoes. Combine all ingredients in a small crock pot on low heat, stir frequently until melted. Serve with tortilla chips.
Ham Delights
1 lb. Baked ham, 3 tsp. poppy seeds, 1/3 lb. Swiss cheese, 3 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 1 medium onion, 1 stick margarine, 3 tsp. mustard, party rolls. Cut up ham, cheese and onion fine. Melt the margarine and pour over the ham, cheese and onion. Add mustard, poppy seeds and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly, but gently. Slice rolls down the middle, and spread the mixture smoothly. Replace top. Bake at 400 for 10 minutes. Serve hot.
Betty’s Crab Dip
1 cup mayonnaise, ½ cup Miracle Whip salad dressing, 1 cup grated cheddar cheese, 1 tsp. horseradish sauce, ¾ small bottle of French dressing, ½ lb. cut up peeled boiled shrimp, 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce, 10 oz. canned crab meat. Mix ingredients well. Chill overnight. Serve with crackers.
For more information about hosting safe holiday celebrations, call (803) 733-1390.
