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The holidays can be a difficult time for all of us. Where some people experience joy and happiness, others may experience increased stress, anxiety or even seasonal affective disorder. For recovering alcoholics and drug addicts, coping with these emotions can be especially challenging. Factor in the pressure to consume alcohol at holiday parties and family gatherings, and you’ve got a potential recipe for disaster. But, hosting a holiday party without alcohol is not only possible – it can be downright fun!
Don’t believe us? In this post we’ll share our favorite tips for how to throw an alcohol-free holiday party that everyone will enjoy.
Give Your Alcohol-Free Holiday Party a Theme
Distinguish your party by giving it a creative theme. If it’s a Christmas party, encourage your guests to wear an “ugly” sweater, and turn it into a friendly competition – complete with a variety of non-alcoholic prizes for winners. Or, if ugly sweaters aren’t your thing, consider hosting a Victorian-themed holiday party where guests dress up in clothing inspired by the era. Be creative! Give your party a focal point other than alcohol and your guest won’t even miss it.
Stock a Non-Alcoholic Cocktail Bar
Just because you aren’t serving alcoholic beverages doesn’t mean you can’t give your guests a selection of tasty drinks. Search online for fun recipes that call for delicious ingredients like fresh juices, flavored sparkling waters and zesty garnishes. You can even create a signature drink just for your party! Set all of the ingredients out, along with directions for assembling the drinks, and invite your guests to build their own creations.
Focus on the Food
Instead of making beer, wine or spirits the center of your party, flip the script and put the spotlight on the food. Better yet, make it an interactive experience for your guests. You’ll save yourself some of the prep work involved in hosting a holiday party and your guests will get a chance to get creative. Here are two ideas to get you started:
Cookie decorating: Everyone loves holiday cookies. Before your party, bake up a few batches in advance. When your guests arrive, set up a decorating station and let them add their own frostings, sprinkles or other toppings.
Pot-luck buffet: Who says you need to do all the cooking yourself? Invite your guests to bring their favorite holiday dishes to share with the group. Everyone will have fun sampling the wide variety of food and sharing their recipes.
Plan Fun Activities
Party games and other activities can help make sure your party is a hit. Trivia games make great ice-breakers, and don’t forget about the classics like charades. Or, depending on how well you know your guests, you may want to consider newer party games like Cards Against Humanity or Apples to Apples.
Happy Holidays from The Raleigh House
At The Raleigh House, we’re wishing all of you a safe, happy and healthy holiday season with your loved ones. If you or someone you care about is struggling with addiction, we can help. Learn more about our comprehensive addiction rehabilitation program or call us now to get started.
