Having a seasonal drink or two at a holiday party is a fun tradition for many people. However, it’s important to make sure you are practicing safe drinking habits so that the holiday remains a happy one.
Here are five basic tips for enjoying your seasonal parties while staying safe.
1. Establish a designated driver before you go
Decide before you leave, with whomever will attend the party with you, which person will stay sober and manage transportation. If you are attending alone, plan out who can give you a ride or what transportation options are available. You don’t want to get stuck at a party without a plan after consuming more alcohol than you expected.
2. Don’t drink on an empty stomach
Before you leave, be sure you have some food in your system, even if there will be food at the party. If you get your drink before the food comes out, the alcohol could hit you too quickly.
3. Snack away
Eating is another important holiday tradition, and it can help keep you safe while drinking. Throughout the party, don’t be afraid to snack on appetizers.
4. Keep your drinks at a standard size
Before pouring your holiday drinks, remember the standard drink size, which is roughly 14 grams of pure alcohol. This translates in a glass roughly to:
- 12 ounces of beer
- Five ounces of wine
- 1.5 ounces of distilled spirits
5. Alternate between drinks
If you’re going to stay at the party for several hours, it would help to switch between alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, such as water, as you’re partaking in a holiday drink.
Following these party tips can help you avoid driving under the influence this season, ensuring you have a happy holiday.