Did you know that new years day has the most alcohol-related accidents? It’s easy to understand why it happens. During the festive period, people get together to celebrate, and “party” is often synonymous with alcohol. Reducing new year’s even intoxication doesn’t have to be lame though. In fact, it can be quite the opposite.

According to a survey, almost 40% of men and 24% of women in America drink 4 or more alcoholic beverages on new years eve. Celebrating with friends and loved ones tends to encourage people to have a drink so they can toast. Yet, people requiring medical assistance and making alcohol-related ER visits can double on this specific day of the year. So, while having a drink is normal behavior during a festive time, problems arise when one drink turns into many. 

If you are already planning your new year’s party at home to reduce new year’s even intoxication, here are some essential tips to keep your loved one safe without spoiling the fun. 

Create a festive environment

One of the most commonly quoted reasons for drinking too much on new years eve is “because it was a party”. Indeed, too many people rely on alcohol to create a party spirit. 

In reality, there is a lot you can do to stage the scene without making alcohol the main focal point. Christmas and New years eve are fantastic party themes that call for glamorous and glitzy decorations. A theme calls for beautiful decor, planned activities, themed outfits.

Here are a few ideas for you to get you started on playing into your theme.

• You could make a balloon arch to welcome your guests.
• You can prepare a playlist on Spotify or invite a DJ for the occasion. 
• You can thrift some fancy stemware and dishes.
• Don’t forget to theme the invitation. This will really set the tone!

Good music and engaging decor are some important elements that will help bring the party spirit to life!

Stay away from light food

Some of the most popular new years dishes often include lite appetizers. Indeed, in a party environment, you may be tempted to make a buffet with finger food rather than preparing a meal. 

Finger food is a dangerous choice for new years meals. However, I’m a girl who can appreciate a cocktail service. Think of serving heavier hors d’oeuvres vs a meal is a way around this.Or one-pot slow cooker wonders are the perfect choice for the host: They are easy to prepare and require little effort. Get crafty and try something new with ham, tomatoes and black eyed peas for new years. Getting enough food ensures your guests will leave happy and will reduce new years eve intoxication.

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Should you have cocktails?

The answer is yes. Creating an alcohol-free party may not go down well with your guests. However, I have seen some very cute mocktail parties happen for the sober-curious. Besides, most guests tend to drink too much only on rare occasions, such as at a party. So rather than taking alcohol away from the party, you can bring more options to the table:

• Fresh and flavored water
• Seasonal mocktails
• Fruit juices
• Frozen popsicles with fresh fruits

Offering more variety can help normalize alcohol-free drinks and encourage your guests to consume more soft drinks during the evening. 

Reducing the new years eve intoxication phenomenon doesn’t mean banning alcohol from your party. On the contrary, your focus is on throwing a fabulous party that will keep people engaged and excited. Don’t take alcohol away; instead, show your guests they can have fun without relying on it!