Cheers! A bartender's guide to safe parties

December is the month for office parties and family get-togethers. Don’t permit over-consumption of alcohol to ruin your holiday celebrations. If you are the host, offer non-alcoholic beverages, including fruit juices, which can be healthier than soft drinks.

Look for fruits that match the season, like the bright red pomegranate. Its juice has high levels of antioxidants, which are believed to reduce the so-called bad cholesterol levels (called low-density lipoprotein or LDL), according to the Mayo Clinic. Red and purple grape juices also reduce LDL cholesterol, and are said to reduce the risk of blood clots, prevent damage to blood vessels in your heart, and help to maintain a healthy blood pressure. Grape juice has some of the same health benefits as red wine.

If you decide to drink alcohol at a party, make sure there is a designated driver to take you home. More than 1,000 people are killed in drunk-driving crashes between Thanksgiving and New Year's, according to Mothers Against Drunk Driving. MADD's Tie One On For Safety campaign offers tips for safe parties. It encourages employers, houses of worship, and businesses to participate in the campaign.