An informal way of getting together with family and friends, a holiday party is a time for people to let loose during a season where friends and good cheer go hand in hand. However, as any local police force can attest, some tend to overdo it at holiday parties and the results can be anything but jolly.

To prevent such negative consequences, hosts should consider the following tips:

• Enlist designated drivers: While everyone wants to let loose during a season many people find stressful, enlisting designated drivers in advance of the party is a good way to avoid disaster.
• Don't make the party all about alcohol: Provide at least as many non-alcoholic beverages as you do alcoholic beverages. Also, make sure food is served. With a full stomach, guests are less likely to overdo it with alcohol.
• Remember, hosts themselves must drink responsibly so they're capable of overseeing the party and guests’ behavior.
• Stop serving drinks at least 1 hour before the end of the event. Instead, serve coffee, non-alcoholic beverages and desserts at that time.