BY THE NUMBERS

Six Ways to Avoid Holiday Booze Blunders

'Tis the season for uncomfortable moments if you don't drink alcohol or are hosting someone who doesn't. Here are our tips on teetotaler etiquette.

By Temma Ehrenfeld | Newsweek Web Exclusive

Dec 20, 2007 | Updated: 11:14 a.m. ET Dec 20, 2007

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You've made a resolution and you're starting now. Or maybe you or one of your guests made a no-alcohol pledge years ago. Either way, you plan to be merry with the best of them—but without the mulled wine, spiked eggnog or champagne punch. Happily, in these health-conscious times toasting the New Year with a fizzy cider or an alcohol-free wine is more acceptable than ever before, abstainers say. Still, the rules of festive sobriety aren't always obvious. NEWSWEEK asked Lizzie Post, Emily's great-great-granddaughter and author of "How Do You Work This Life Thing?," to advise us on teetotaler etiquette. Here are six of her party tips for guests and hosts who are trying to stay on the wagon.

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When you're the host:

1. Never Assume Don't say, "Can I get you a cocktail?" Instead, say, "What would you like to drink?" and list both alcoholic and nonalcoholic options.

2. Turn off the Tap Know the early signs of drunkenness, such as slurred words, obscenities or unusual confessions. If you see insobriety, Post suggests removing the temptation. "Cork it, and put the wine away for the night."

3. Be Subtle Don't announce "Please, no booze" on a written invitation. "Invitations are supposed to be inviting," Post says. "It's not polite. You don't put 'No smoking' on an invitation or little signs around the house." If you plan to keep your house dry, tell guests in person. Here's another option: Post describes teetotaling relatives who invite guests to bring their own liquor—and take it with them when they leave.

When you're the guest:

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Posted By: Mrsclaus @ 07/17/2008 10:25:33 PM

The easiest way to say no to a drink is just simply, NO ThankYou. If they dont like that answer thats their problem not yours. You stand your ground and be proud of your answer. Too bad what others think. People are always going to think what they want anyway, so why bother worrying about it. All you have to do is just be the best you that you can be and to hell with the rest!
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Posted By: GreatDane @ 12/31/2007 7:50:34 PM

This is so silly. Gives me some new insight into the apparent rudeness of alcohol consumers! If these kinds of common courtesies need to be spelled out, can someone tell me again why those of us who have never used alcohol have to feel like WE have something to explain? Reminds me of the old "set-up question": Have you stopped beating your wife? The need to publish this article tells alot more about the rudeness of alcohol users than it does about anyone else.
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Posted By: vtblaze @ 12/31/2007 1:23:58 PM

I have to disagree with one suggestion. Inviting someone to a dry new year's eve party is fine, but it shouldn't be a surprise. Some people may enjoy a cocktail of champagne toast, as it is commonly associated with that particular holiday, and may have made different arrangements if they had known they commited to a dry party beforehand.