5 Hosting Tips for Guests Who Don't Drink, Say Etiquette Experts
It's important to make sure sober friends feel comfortable and have a good time.
There are many factors to consider when plan a party , from whom you are going to invite to what you are going to serve. But when it comes to choosing drinks, it's important to keep in mind that there are many people who, for one reason or another, don't drink alcohol. Since many of our gatherings involve wine, beer or alcoholic beverages, attendees who do not drink are often left out. If you want to become a better host, there are some changes you can make to make everyone feel equally included. Read on for five hosting tips for sober guests, according to etiquette experts.
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1 Don't make a big fuss about what people drink or don't drink.
Spotlighting sober guests is one of the worst things you can do as a host. Instead, it's your job to make sure all of your guests feel comfortable and aren't left out, depending on Jodi Smith , nationally renowned label consultant and founder of Mannersmith.
"There are many, many reasons why someone doesn't drink alcohol," she notes. "They may be recovering, alcoholism may be a problem in their family, they may be pregnant, they may practice a religion where alcohol is prohibited. Perhaps they are taking drugs that interact badly with booze, or that they have a big day tomorrow.”
Therefore, it is important to recognize that your guests should never feel obligated to explain Why they don't drink.
"Savvy hosts also know not to make a big fuss about what people are drinking. The focus should be on the guests, not what's in their cups," Smith says. "Remember, everyone drinks. But not all guests drink alcohol." ae0fcc31ae342fd3a1346ebb1f342fcb
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2 Pay attention to how you communicate.
While it's important not to stress that some of the guests present don't drink alcohol, you still need to be mindful in your conversations.
“Make sure everyone feels included and respected when it comes to conversations about drinking,” Ryan Hetrick , therapist, psychologist and CEO of Epiphany Wellness , advise.
If you have a mix of drinking and non-drinking guests, Hetrick advises avoiding talking about alcohol, including any light-hearted jokes or comments you might otherwise make.
"Be aware of potential triggers or feelings of exclusion that may arise in non-alcoholic guests. This may include avoiding phrases such as 'the party won't start until we've had a few drinks' or 'no one wants hear your stories if you don't drink," he explains.
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3 Offer many non-alcoholic options.
Choice is crucial for non-drinking customers. Most gatherings usually offer a wide range of alcoholic options, but only one or two alternatives are available for sober guests.
"Offer the choice", Lisa Mirza Caves , certified for 23 years etiquette expert , recommended. "Include plenty of non-alcoholic options, such as soft drinks and sparkling lime water."
If you know that some guests don't drink alcohol, you can even consider asking their opinion beforehand, Daniel Gospodarek, LCSW, licensed clinic social worker with Revitalize Mental Health PLLC, adds.
“Some recovering people have their own preferences when it comes to soft drinks,” Gospodarek notes. "It can be important to ask them what drinks they might want."
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4 Create a signature mocktail.
Having lots of different sodas and juices available as non-alcoholic alternatives is a great start, but Grotts suggests hosts take it even further.
“Create a signature mocktail,” she suggests.
Many gatherings offer special cocktails for alcohol drinkers, so creating the same experience for those who don't is a "no-brainer" in being a good host, according to Grotts.
"Your guest will feel like they're sipping on a fancy drink," she says.
Adam Crookes , A culinary expert and owner of DonutMaker.io, says Better life that he encourages guests to prepare mocktails that "reflect the complexity and flavor" of alcohol-based cocktails.
"Experiment with fresh ingredients, crushed fruits, herbs and toppings to provide a unique and enjoyable experience for your non-drinking guests," advises Crookes.
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5 Think about activities that don't involve drinking.
If you want to create a more inclusive experience, plan your gathering beyond just food and drink by focusing on entertainment.
"Consider having a game night or a casual movie night in the garden," suggests Hetrick. "It will give everyone the opportunity to have fun without needing to drink alcohol to enjoy the event."
If that sounds like too much, you can always plan smaller activities that will keep non-drinking guests entertained, according to adam jones , founder of non-alcoholic beer guide Low beers.
"Hosts can arrange engaging activities that don't revolve around drinking, like quizzes, karaoke, board games, or outdoor activities," Jones says. "This ensures that sober guests can actively participate and feel included, contributing to a better overall experience for everyone."
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