How to Be a Responsible Host

When hosting a dinner party or picnic, there are a few key obligations on you to act as a responsible host in order to ensure that your guests have a good time and travel home safely. Here are some ideas to assist you.

Steps

1. 1
   Remove objects that can be broken or damaged during the evening. It is better to keep things out of harm's way and avoid potential embarrassment and even injury to guests who might accidentally break something, as well as avoiding you the disappointment of a broken heirloom or expensive item!
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2. 2
   Check for allergies and dietary preferences beforehand. If possible, ask people about dietary preferences and allergies prior to the event. If this is not possible, ask on their arrival.

   • Always have some basic back-ups tucked away somewhere for those who are with faith-based food restrictions, vegetarians, vegans, gluten-intolerant, dairy-free, egg-free, and for dieters. It sounds worse than it really is; for example, you can easily deal with all of these people with a single dish such as quinoa salad, roasted or steamed veggies, rice pasta main course, and a fruit salad for dessert is always an easy option!
3. 3
   Do not overstock your bar. Aim for about 1 drink per person per hour. Offer self-serve wine and beer and only leave enough glasses for the amount of guests; more can be washed if asked. Leave plenty of non-alcoholic choices around as well, such as water, juice,and mocktails and sodas. Leave nibbles to distract drinkers from constant drinking. If you wish to have cocktails, serve one with pomp and ceremony at the beginning. You can also consider a single serve of liqueur at the end of the evening.
4. 4
   Politely decline to serve more alcoholic refreshments to anyone who seems to be drunk; avoid refilling their glass and remove bottles etc. from the service area at the end of the main meal. Call a taxi for anyone who looks unfit to drive and reassure them that there car will be safe parked at your home until the following day; offer to collect them even if this is not too difficult for you.
5. 5
   Serve coffee and tea at the end of the evening. This is a sign that any more drinking is at an end and it is a means by which to give your guests a chance to revive themselves and prepare to leave.
6. 6
   Make sure that there is a safe place for guests to leave their valuables. If you have any concerns, have guests leave handbags etc. in an open area obvious to all.
7. 7
   Be the ice melter. A responsible host fuels the conversation all night and steers like guests to like guests so that they feel comfortable with one another and find someone to converse with. Do notice the wallflower and try and draw them into the discussions. Ask questions and listen actively. Be ready to help others when you