Host with the most

When you're having a party, you want your guests to have a great time, naturally. If you want to be a responsible host too, remember that:

The recommended guidelines for responsible drinking advises that most men should not regularly drink more than six standard drinks and most women should not regularly drink more than four standard drinks per day to avoid harm to their health. Pregnant women are advised not to drink at all. And drivers should stick to non-alcoholic drinks.

Here are some simple ways to help guests enjoy the party - without putting themselves or others at risk of harm or feeling like death warmed up the day after.

• Offer juice and other alcohol-free alternatives
• Serve food - it really helps mop up the booze
• Making home-made cocktails or punch? Don't make it too strong and make sure you offer alcohol-free alternatives too
• If people have had a bit too much, encourage them (very nicely) to have a soft drink, juice or water
• Keep a special eye out for young people and make sure they're OK
• Make sure everyone can get home safely, with a sober driver, reliable public transport, or a licensed cab. Otherwise have them stay over
• Last but not least - don't get plastered yourself!