How to Make Sober Guests Feel Welcome at a Party
When you’re planning a drinking party, the worst thing you can do is just not invite your sober friends. Oh, they don’t drink, I don’t want them to be uncomfortable . Let them make this call themselves. And there is a lot you can do to make sober guests feel welcome and comfortable at the party, even if other people are drinking.
The most important balance is between adjusting to your sober friends and not making them shy about being sober. Sobriety does not mean “abstaining from communication and entertainment,” and hosting is about making people feel welcome and comfortable. There are several ways to do this:
- Offer decent mocktails. I hope your alcoholic cocktails do more than just get people drunk – they are festive, they taste good, and holding the drink in hand is A +’s answer to the question ” What should I do with my hands?” Offer your sober guests drinks that are equally appropriate for the special occasion. Juice, soda water , sparkling cider and seltzer water – a good start, but you can also prepare non-alcoholic cocktails, which will be as sophisticated and elegant as the best alcoholic cocktail. Include these drinks as a regular part of your offerings – even guests taking a drink may take a break from time to time.
- Throwing a party isn’t about getting drunk. If you can, place the bar somewhere other than your main seating area. Play music. Maybe I’ll play some party games. (Not drinking games). Introduce guests to foster a good conversation. Take out the telescope and look at the moon. If your focus is on enjoying more than just wasting, your sober guests will have plenty to do too.
- Be cool. After you’ve taken in your sober friends, don’t make it too big of a deal. Try to treat them like … a normal person. (What they are.) And if they decide to leave early, as soon as the drinkers start getting drunk, do not be offended and do not force them to stay.
Oh, and if you don’t know why someone isn’t drinking, for heaven’s sake, don’t pressure them for any reason. Whether they are pregnant, recovering, or not in the mood, it’s none of your business if they don’t want to share.