Responsible does not = dull when it comes to hosting a cocktail party, and FINE LIVING's 10 tips will help make sure you combine fun with safety. Enjoy 10 great non-alcoholic drink recipes from FINE LIVING! RELATED LINKS 10 Autumn Cocktails Take the Cocktail Quiz

A responsible host is a prepared host.

Here are 10 tips to help you throw a cocktail party with consumption responsibility in mind:

1. Be sure to have lots of food on hand to eliminate the possibility of drinking on an empty stomach, which is a fast path to trouble. Many finger foods complement and enhance the flavor of cocktail drinks. For example, fruit is perfect for Tequila and rum while bread and seafood blend well with vodka and cheeses go hand in hand with whiskey concoctions.

2. Having a bartender on hand can serve two purposes: 1) You can mix with your guests and 2) a bartender can monitor the alcohol consumption of your guests.

3. As each guest arrives, ask if they'd mind if you put their vehicle keys in a safe place in case someone who has had too much to drink leaves without your knowledge.

4. If you are planning on having an alcoholic punch, consider using a noncarbonated base — such as fruit to make sure the alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream at a slower rate.

5. Provide non-alcoholic drinks for the guests who choose not to drink alcohol. (See our link, right, for 10 great non-alcoholic cocktails.)

6. As a host you need to know what constitutes too much when it comes to consuming alcohol. According to the Distilled Spirits Council, 12 ounces of beer, 1-1/2 ounce of 80-proof spirits and five ounces or wine each contains the same amount of alcohol. And the Federal Dietary Guidelines define "moderate" drinking as no more than two drinks per day for men and one drink per day for women.

7. Close the bar at least 90 minutes prior to the end of the party. This is a trend that has hit sporting arenas and stadiums across the country.

8. Have plenty of fresh-brewed coffee on hand to help with the sober-up process.

9. Have a guest room ready just in case a guest is not in any condition to go home.

10. Lastly, it's always a great idea to have designated drivers or at least have your local taxi service number(s) handy for your guests. The truly responsible host will glady offer to pay the fare!

For more information on responsible drinking, see the following resources:

Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
www.madd.org

U.S. National Library of Medicine
www.hlm.nih.gov

The Distilled Spirits Council
www.distilledspirits.org

Alcohol Screening.org
www.alcoholscreening.org

National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism
www.niaaa.nih.gov