Tips for party guests
Here are some suggestion to reduce the chances you'll be hurt, arrested, or wildly embarrassed.
Protect your health and safety:
- Obey laws.
- If you're over 21 and choose to drink alcoholic beverages, keep your consumption moderate. (0 drinks if you're driving, 1 per hour sets the pace, no more than 3 per day.) For more information, see the Blood Alcohol Content page.
- If you're drinking, also eat food.
- Avoid any party that you haven't specifically been invited to. Even with the best of intentions by hosts and guest alike, an "open house" kegger is a high risk situation.
- Attend with a friend and look out for each other.
- Leave your valuables at home. Carry only the ID and money you'll need that night.
- If you choose to be sexually active, bring and use condoms and other latex barriers.
- Keep track of bottle caps: ever lose track of how many drinks you've consumed? Each time you have a beer, stick the bottle cap or can tab in your pocket. That way you'll always know exactly how many drinks you've had.
- Stay off all roofs and any balcony that's crowded.
- Don't play with fire.
- Don't argue with cops.
- Remember drugs and alcohol don't mix - even over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be very dangerous when combined with alcohol.
Protect your reputation and be invited back.
- Avoid behavior that might get your hosts in big trouble - such as sneaking an underage drink, carrying alcoholic drinks onto public property, throwing bottles, etc.
- Treat your hosts, their home, and their other gusts with respect.
- Clean up after yourself.
- Obey requests from hosts to quiet down, leave, or stop drinking.
- Bring a snack to share. Everyone appreciates an extra bag of chips.
- Mingle, talk to new people - especially that shy one in the corner.
Tips for Party Hosts
Non-Alcoholic Drinks
Have stuff around that is not alcoholic. Pick up some water, Powerade, Coke, and juice.
Pretzels & Chips
Everybody likes pretzels and chips when they drink - and they're super cheap. Grab a couple bags. Not to mention, a full stomach slows the pace at which alcohol is absorbed.
Toilet Paper
Ask most party-goers - the host never has enough toilet paper. Always keep a ton of toilet paper around.
Cleaning Supplies
No one wants to stick to their own floor when they are walking around the day after a party. Pick up some Fantastick for stains, and some general cleaning supplies like a brrom, a bucket, a mop, extra trash bags, and air fresheners.