How to Have Fun Without Alcohol

America is drinking less and enjoying itself more. We are all looking for ways to be responsible hosts. The Minnesota Prevention Resource Center has published "Non-Alcoholic Party Drinks," a 35-page recipe book, including hosting tips, from which much of this information sheet was taken. To receive ordering information you can write to: Minnesota Prevention Resource Center, 2720 Hwy 10 NE, Mounds View, MN 55112. Telephone: 763-427-5310. New drinking habits make good sense. Everyone feels, looks, and acts better. Our highways are safer, corporate behavior becomes more professional, and the "morning after" becomes a time to do, not to doze.

The following suggestions, easy to follow at work or at home, lead to healthy, good times with no worries.

1. Focus your event on something fun and creative other than drinking, such as dancing, games or good conversation.
   
   
2. Have lots of nonalcoholic drinks (or mixers) available. And don't bury them in the back of the refrigerator.
   
   
3. Prepare some snazzy snacks to go with the beverages. Go easy on the salty, thirst-provoking appetizers.
   
   
4. Make sure everyone knows that nonalcoholic drinks are available. If it's a big event, place posters and banners around the room announcing the nonalcoholic beverages.
   
   
5. Toss together nonalcoholic drinks with as much flair as you would alcoholic beverages.
   
   
6. Tend bar yourself or have someone mix the drinks who's humorous yet responsible.
   
   
7. Permit each person to comfortably say "no" to an alcoholic drink. Even during a meal, don't assume everyone wants a glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage.
   
   
8. When serving alcohol at a company function or private dinner party, limit your cocktail time to under an hour.
   
   
9. Find someone to drive an intoxicated guest home, or call a taxi. Offer overnight stays if necessary. Stay alert yourself so you can be a good judge of your guests' condition. They're your responsibility.
   
   
10. Show concern, not amusement, for guests who've "had too much." This conveys that you are a responsible host and encourages others to know their limits.