How to Have a Holiday Party That's Not About the Alcohol

If you're throwing a holiday party in the coming weeks, chances are you'll have a guest among your friends, relatives or co-workers who doesn't drink. Caron Treatment Centers encourages hosts to plan a festive occasion that doesn't center around the alcohol.

Get Creative: Festive drinks can be "dry." Look to non-alcoholic drinks such as juices, ice teas and lemonades as a way to encourage healthy habits.
Take Drinking Out of the Party Games: Group games such as "Taboo," Charades and "Pictionary" will keep people in stitches.
Stimulate Conversation: Help keep the chatter flowing by actively making introductions and introducing fun topics.
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.
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.