Holiday drinking tips from the LCBO

Throw the holiday party everyone remembers - for the right reasons

The song says it's the most wonderful time of the year, but anyone who has thrown a holiday party knows it can also be the most stressful time of the year - endless shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, cleaning and then finally, hoping your holiday gathering is a success. But it can also serve up the best reward of the season - celebrating the connection you have with the people you care about.

LCBO's store staff can help you make smart choices about products and entertaining this holiday season, so you can create the best atmosphere and experience for your guests and hope it will be the holiday party everyone remembers - for the right reasons.

A full list of responsible hosting tips is posted online through www.lcbo.com, but here are some helpful tips for responsible hosting:

• If you're the host, please drink moderately so you're better able to act quickly and avoid problems.

• All guests - not just designated drivers - can be offered an assortment of alcohol-free drinks. Bottled water is always popular, especially when it's easy to just grab out of a chilled bucket.

• Guests drink more when the bar is open, so either hire a bartender or be the bartender. And remember, measurement is a must.

• High-starch, highprotein foods are best, to ensure no one drinks on an empty stomach. Salty, sweet or greasy snack foods increase thirst.

• Hosts should stop serving drinks at least an hour before the party officially ends. You can offer guests water, coffee and other non-alcoholic drinks.

• Plan ahead to prevent your guests from drinking and driving. You can do this by discussing designated drivers beforehand, keeping cash and taxi numbers on hand, and preparing for overnight guests. Hosts should also be prepared to take away car keys.