Summer is a time of celebrations, from July 4th and Labor Day to family reunions. Many of these celebrations tend to involve alcohol. After all, we often associate a cold beer or an icy margarita with a hot summer day. But alcohol can create many problems for hosts, from unruly guests to the danger of drivers heading home under the influence.

Here are some tips for alcohol-free summer celebrations:

Manage Expectations
When you invite your guests, make it clear that it will be an alcohol-free party. This fact need not be heavy-handed, and you don't need to ban those guests who wish to BYOB. But by casually mentioning that you don't plan on serving alcohol, your guests will arrive without an expectation of drinking, meaning they won't be disappointed to find it absent from your event.

Early Events
Daytime events are perfect for warm weather, and such gatherings are less likely to focus on alcohol. Hosting a daytime party also opens up the possibility for outdoor activities that are always enjoyable. So skip the evening cocktail party or dinner in favor of a great afternoon picnic.

Invite the Kids
There is just something about a party in which children are present that discourages heavy drinking. By asking parents to bring along their kids, you are sending a subtle message to expect a certain kind of party. Of course, all parents welcome a night off from their children now and then. But if you organize your party with enough activities and playmates, kids don't need to be the focus of the event.

Edit Your Guest List
We all have a friend we may love but who insists on getting rip roaring drunk at dinner parties, dominating the conversation and embarrassing the hosts. It may be time to start editing your guest list to take such friends off, at least in terms of nighttime events. Instead, have lunch with your friend and reserve your dinner parties for guests who know how to be guests.

Have a great summer and don't feel that alcohol has to be a part of it.

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The Principles
by Patrick Moore
Available now on Lulu.com, Amazon.Com, and BarnesandNoble.com.