New Year’s Eve is a great time to host a party, enjoy the company of family and friends on the last day of 2012, and watch the ball drop on TV. Hosting a party should also involve safety precautions, for both you and your guests. Safety Girl is to your rescue with these simple and easy-to-follow safety tips for party hosts.
- Don’t let your guests drive home after drinking. To prevent this from occurring, there are a few step you can take. First, make sure that each car of guests that arrives at your party has an appointed “designated driver.” Once you know who the designated drivers are, be sure these people don’t have anything to drink. As a backup plan, contact a local taxi company to offer rides home to any guests who may need a ride.
- Be sure to offer non-alcoholic beverages as an option for all guests. Not only will your designated drivers appreciate a beverage option other than water, but your other guests may also appreciate the gesture. A variety of sodas and sparkling waters, sparkling grape juice, or virgin cocktails are all great non-alcoholic options for New Year’s Eve parties.
- Use caution when preparing meats. Be sure not to let raw meat come in contact with other foods. Cook meats thoroughly; when serving, don’t let meat sit out for more than two or three hours to prevent food-borne illness.
- Keep cold foods cold. If serving dips, and especially dairy- or meat-based appetizers, be sure they are kept refrigerated until serving and only keep them out for two or three hours to prevent bacteria from growing.
- Practice simple hygiene tips when serving foods. Be sure to have serving utensils out for all dishes that you serve. Toothpicks stuck in appetizers can prevent guests from picking up finger foods with bare hands, too. Be sure to have plenty of napkins and cutlery out for guests.
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