Celebrate the Season with Reason

Another year has almost gone by and the Festive Season is almost here. It's a time when many people gather together with friends, family and co-workers to celebrate and enjoy time together. Parties and celebrations are the order of the day.

Great parties don't just happen by chance. They're the result of careful planning. If you are going to serve alcohol in your home or host an event where guests are drinking alcohol be sure you are also planning on getting your guests home safely.

I know you care about your friends, family and guests. As the host of the party you could be found legally responsible if any of your guests consume too much alcohol at your party and are then involved a traffic crash. And can you imagine how you would feel if your guest was involved in a serious motor vehicle collision? That would be devastating.

RRID's goal is to save lives and reduce crashes. We are hoping that everyone will have a safe and happy holiday season. We are offering some practical suggestions for being a responsible host. Suggestions we hope will help you to enjoy your party, knowing you've created a comfortable, relaxed atmosphere and that you have done all you can to keep everyone safe.

When you are planning your party ensure that you have a list of the numbers for local taxis or you can make arrangements in advance with Operation Red Nose the designated driver program available on weekends in December in the Nanaimo area.

Think about the kinds of food you will be serving throughout the event. High protein munchies are best, foods like chicken wings, cheese and guacamole. Avoid salty foods. Salt increases thirst and means your guests are likely to drink more. If people are enjoying food they are less likely to drink.

You want to be able to offer guests an alternative to alcohol and there are many choices available. It's good to serve a variety of non-alcoholic beverages including tea, coffee, juice, soft drinks, bottled water and mocktails. Some are simple but you can add fun to soft drinks or mocktails with fruit or fancy ice cubes. Be sure to offer your guests lots of appealing non-alcoholic choices. These will be popular with non-drinkers, designated drivers and those who are trying to limit their alcohol consumption.

There are lots of great recipes for mocktails both single drinks and punches. Most ingredients are probably right in your fridge. If not they can be found in local grocery stores. Some popular recipes are printed below.

As your guests arrive on the night of your party ensure they have safe transportation home before serving them alcohol. Did they bring their car? Do they have a designated driver? Are they traveling by taxi? Be sure to have some spare cash on hand to lend to guests for taxi fare and be prepared to have guests stay overnight if necessary. Keep the number for Operation Red Nose and the taxi companies posted by your phone, Identify Designated Drivers and give them a small gift to let them know you appreciate their assistance.

I hope you enjoy the holidays and have a wonderful time at your parties and festivities. Be sure to do your part to make our roads and highways a safer place to be. Let's work together to protect our guests, ourselves and others from the tragic consequences of impaired driving. Let's celebrate the season with reason.

Joan Parsons
President
Rid Road of Impaired Drivers

Numbers To Know:

Operation Red Nose

755-6969

AC Taxi

753-1231

Swiftsure Taxi

753-8911 or 758-8911

Sparkling Christmas Mocktail

1 oz. grenadine
4 oz. seltzer
Green sugar crystals

Directions: Mix grenadine and seltzer in mixing glass. Wet rim of cocktail glass and coat with green sugar crystals. Pour mixture into glass.

The Caesar Celebration

Rim a glass with fresh lime and celery salt. Fill the glass with ice and add 1/8 tsp. hot pepper sauce, ½ tsp. Worcestershire sauce and the juice of 1/8 fresh lime. Top with tomato-clam juice and garnish with a fresh cucumber slice. Sprinkle with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh black pepper.

The Unfuzzy Navel

3 oz. Peach Juice
3 oz. Orange Juice
1 tbsp. Lemon Juice
Dash of Grenadine

Shake with ice and strain into a wine glass. Garnish with an orange slice.

No Crash Splash Punch

1 (48 oz.) can Pineapple Juice
1 (355 ml) can frozen Orange Juice
1 (355ml) can froze Limeade of Lime Juice
2 Litres of Ginger Ale

Chill all ingredients for at least 3 hours. The first 3 ingredients can be mixed ahead. Add the Ginger Ale just before serving.

Arrive Alive Cider Punch

1 (355ml) can frozen Orange Juice
1 (355ml) can frozen Limeade or Lime Juice
8 cups cold water
4 Litres Seven-Up

Chill all ingredients. The first four can be mixed ahead. Add the Seven-Up just before serving.

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