3 Tips for being a rockstar (and inclusive) host this holiday season
Hosting a successful holiday gathering is more than just making sure the tree is decorated and you’ve got the fancy napkins on display.
As the host, there are a few things you can easily incorporate into your holiday party plans that will help to provide a safe celebration for all your guests - without sacrificing any of the festive flair.
Ready to learn how to be a rockstar host?
Tip 1 – Serve a variety of snacks along with a variety of non-alcohol beverages
Offering food (especially food that is high in protein and starch) will ensure that no one is drinking on an empty stomach.
It's also important to make sure that it’s just as easy for folks to find the sparkling water and mocktails as it is to find the bar. We recommend having lots of non-alcohol options on hand to provide ample variety.
Check out a few of our favourite snack suggestions - along with some alcohol and non-alcohol pairing suggestions below.
Keep it simple with pizza!
Alcohol Pairing Option:
- Beer and pizza are a no-brainer match. Pick your favourite pale ale or try it with...
Non-Alcohol Pairing Option:
- HEINEKEN ZERO, all the beer flavour, minus the alcohol!
Did Someone say charcuterie? Truly something for everyone with this winner!
Alcohol Pairing Option:
- Depending on what is on your charcuterie, you can usually count on it pairing well with red Italian wine, like a Chianti Classico or a Valpolicella.
Non-Alcohol Pairing Option:
- Sparkling water (flavoured or unflavoured) will cut through the fatty meats and cheese. Or try the PERFECT HOLIDAY PUNCH.
Finally, how about some chicken wings! Pop some in the oven and you’ve got an easy and delicious party fave!
Alcohol Pairing Option:
- If your wings are sweet and sticky, try a bourbon cocktail. Prefer spicy? Try them with a martini.
Non-Alcohol Pairing Option:
- This is where traditional soft drinks are a perfect pairing. Try root beer with honey garlic wings, or a cola with BBQ wings.
Tip 2 – Plan for a safe way home
Know who your designated drivers are, call for taxi service, or invite your guests to stay overnight. As the host, you’ll want to keep all your party-goers safe – all night long.
Designated drivers are the heroes of the holiday season.
Show your ‘holiday hero’ some appreciation - here are a few ideas of how to say ‘thanks’!
- Fill their gas tank
- Offer to take them to dinner
- Slip them a movie gift card
- Make them a coffee for the drive, in a nice travel mug they get to keep
- Get them an ANBL GIFT CARD and tell them next time, you’ll drive
Tip 3 – No pressure + know your portions
Keep in mind, people are in different places with their choices around alcohol. Don’t encourage guests to drink more than they are comfortable with.
It's equally important to understand proper drink portions – especially if you’re the one standing behind the bar doubling as a mixologist for the evening.
Standard alcohol serving sizes are as follows:
- 341ml (12oz) bottle of 5% alcohol beer, cider, or cooler
- 43ml (1.5oz) shot of 40% hard liquor (vodka, rum, whisky, etc)
- 142ml (5oz) glass of 12% wine
Celebrating the holiday season is something that many of us look forward to all year long – and by incorporating these tips, you can help make the season both fun AND safe.