Hosting a holiday party can be one of the best parts of the season. What with the laughter, decorations, music, and of course, the chance to bring people together. But what if some of your guests are in addiction recovery? This adds an extra layer of consideration, and honestly, it’s an amazing opportunity to create a space that’s welcoming and supportive for everyone. Nobody wants to accidentally make a gathering stressful for someone else, especially during the holiday season, which can already feel overwhelming for many.
But how can you exactly host a party that is welcoming for people who are sober? Below, you’ll find simple ideas to make your party recovery-friendly while still being celebratory and fun. Whether it’s your first time hosting guests in recovery or you’re just looking to make everyone feel more comfortable, these tips will guide you through.
1) Serve Exciting Non-Alcoholic Drinks
A recovery-friendly party means creating drink options that are delicious and fun for everyone. Start by offering a variety of exciting non-alcoholic options, like sparkling water with fruit, mocktails, festive punches, or even specialty sodas.
The key is to make sober choices that feel just as sophisticated and enjoyable as traditional alcoholic beverages. Bonus points if you set up a “mocktail bar” where guests can mix their own creations. This keeps the focus on inclusion rather than what people are or aren’t drinking.
If you feel you absolutely must serve alcohol, keep it in a completely separate area. Label the table clearly for alcoholic vs. non-alcoholic drinks and have someone responsible quietly monitor the setup so there’s no mix-up. A separate space helps protect your guests in recovery by making it easy for them to avoid temptation or awkward moments.
2) Avoid Activities That Are Centered on Alcohol
We’ve all been to those parties where the main event is something like drinking games or cocktail sampling. While that might work for other gatherings, this is not the vibe if you’re hosting guests in recovery.
Activities like beer pong or wine tastings can feel alienating and even triggering to someone who is working hard to maintain their sobriety. Instead, think of ways to encourage connection through activities that aren’t tied to alcohol.
Karaoke, for example, is a crowd favorite that brings energy and silliness without a single sip required. Or try good old-fashioned charades! This game is quick to learn and gets everyone laughing. You could also include holiday trivia or a gift exchange game to keep the atmosphere upbeat. The goal is to create a space where all your guests feel like they’re part of the fun without the social crutch of alcohol.
3) Designate Quiet Zones
Parties can be sensory overload for anyone, much less someone navigating the early stages of addiction recovery. Designating a “quiet zone” offers guests a peaceful retreat when they need a breather. This is especially helpful for introverted guests, those managing anxiety, or anyone who just needs a second to recharge.
How do you set this up? Pick a room or corner away from the main gathering area. Add some comfy seating, maybe a few blankets, and keep the décor simple and soothing. Soft lighting works great too. Encourage people to use it as a space to unwind without judgment.
4) Offer a Comfortable Exit Option
Holiday parties have a way of going on and on, and sometimes, people feel stuck staying longer than they want, especially if the host is pressuring them to stay. For someone in recovery, this can be particularly uncomfortable. They might need to leave for reasons they’d rather not explain, and that’s okay. Your job as the host is to make sure no one feels guilty into staying longer than they’re comfortable.
One way to do this is by letting your guests know, in advance or as they arrive, that they can come and go as they please. You could say something like, “I’m so glad you’re here! No pressure if you need to head out early, just enjoy yourself while you’re here.” This shows your guests that their well-being comes first and that there’s no awkwardness around leaving before the party winds down.
Lake Forest Addiction Treatment for Drugs and Alcohol
Hosting a holiday get-together that’s recovery-friendly isn’t about limiting the fun, it’s about expanding it. By being thoughtful about simple factors, you’re creating an inclusive space where everyone can celebrate together comfortably. Whether sobriety affects one guest or several, your small adjustments can make a huge difference in how welcome they feel.
If you or a loved one is struggling with substance abuse challenges, get help from a professional treatment center. At Zoe Behavioral Health, we welcome individuals in all stages of recovery and provide individualized treatment plans to address their unique needs. Contact us today for more information on our Lake Forest addiction treatment programs for drugs and alcohol.