Safe Party Holiday Guide

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he Christmas holidays is one of the happiest times of the year for most people, but irresponsible behavior by a few people can turn good times into bad times. Here are few tips to make your holiday party safe and enjoyable for everyone...

* Plan lots of group activities -- like party games. The popularity of board games for adults makes this activity socially acceptable.

* Make sure there are plenty of nutritious foods -- vegetable dips, cheeses, finger sandwiches -- so guests will not drink on empty stomachs.

* Avoid too many salty snacks, which tend to make people thirsty and drink more.

* Offer a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for the designated driver and others who prefer not to drink alcohol.

* If preparing an alcoholic punch, use a non-carbonated base like fruit juice. Alcohol is absorbed into the blood stream faster with a carbonated base.

* Ask guests to appoint a designated driver before the evening begins. This person drinks only non-alcoholic beverages to ensure that friends or loved ones get home safety.

* Be honest when inviting guests who are known to drink to excess. Tell them that drinking and driving is unacceptable at the party. Get their agreement to find alternative modes of transportation.

* Arrange for discounted or complimentary rooms when a party is held at a hotel so employees won't drive home impaired.

* Hire a shuttle or limousine service to provide transportation home for those who have been drinking. Promote the designated driver concept and these alternative forms of transportation in your invitations.

* DO NOT push drinks.

* If you provide an open bar, be sure the bartender has had server training to prevent over-serving or serving guests under age 21.

* Hold a contest for employees to create non-alcoholic drink recipes. Serve the winners' drinks at the party.

* Schedule activities or entertainment to keep the focus away from drinking. As a party progresses, whether in a home or at a commercial establishment, such as a restaurant or hotel, there are other measures that can be followed so everyone has a good time and is kept relatively safe:

* Never serve alcohol to someone under the legal drinking age, and never ask children to serve alcohol at parties.

* 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.

* Never force a drink on a guest.

* Close the bar 90 minutes before the party ends and serve a dessert treat with coffee. However, hosts need to remember only time sobers someone who has been drinking. Coffee and other mythical concoctions will not have an effect.

* If, despite your efforts, some of your guests have had too much to drink, drive them home, arrange a ride with another guest who is sober, call a taxi, or invite them to stay over.

Here are recipes for a number of holiday drinks that are inexpensive, compared to the prices for alcohol, and are sure to help liven up the holiday food and beverage menu.

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Coffee Eggnog

2 eggs, separated

1/3 cups sugar

1/3 cup instant coffee

Dash salt 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

2 cups milk, chilled

1 cup heavy cream, whipped Shaved unsweetened chocolate

In a small bowl using an electric mixer, beat at high speed, beat egg whites until soft peak forms. In large bowl, beat egg yolks until lemon colored. Gradually beat in coffee, salt, vanilla, milk, and 3/4 cut water. Stir in egg-white mixture and whipped cream; mix well. Serve well chilled, with chocolate sprinkled over each serving. Makes 12 servings.

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Jogger's Nog

1-1/2 cups pineapple juice (chilled)

1/2 cut plain yogurt

1 tablespoon honey

6 ice cubes

Combine ingredients in blender container. Cover and run on high until well-blended. Serve in chilled glasses. 2 servings (10 oz. each)

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Hot Cran-Apple Cider

2 quart of apple cider

1-1/2 quarts cranberry cocktail

1/4 cup brown sugar

3-inch cinnamon sticks

1-1/2 teaspoons whole cloves

Heat to boiling; reduce heat and simmer 15 to 20 minutes. Strain. 25 servings (about 1/2 cup each)

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Spiced Cider

1 quart cider

1/2 cup sugar

Dash Salt

12 whole cloves

1 (4 inch) cinnamon stick

8 whole allspice

Combine all ingredients in 2-quart saucepan. Bring to a boil, string until sugar is dissolved. Cool. Refrigerate covered, several hours. Just before serving, reheat slowly. Strain to remove spices. Serve hot, in mugs or punch cups, along with cookies. Makes 8 servings.

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Citrus Collins

Fill 10-12 oz. glass with ice cubes

2 oz orange juice

1 oz. lemon juice

1 oz. simple syrup

Fill with club soda. Garnish with an orange slice or a cherry.

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Mai-Tai

1/2 cup pineapple juice

1/4 cup orange juice

1/4 cup club soda

1 Tbsp. cream of coconut

1 Tbsp. grenadine syrup

In shaker or tall glass, combine ingredients; shake or stir to blend. Add crushed ice.

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