Give the table a spot of its own

Put the table where a guest can see it when they arrive. Leave room for someone to approach and pour without reaching across a row of bottles. A side table near the food may work better than a corner behind the main drinks station. Walk the room before guests arrive and see which table you would notice first.

Provide a low-effort option such as water as well as anything you batch. Put cups at both ends if there is room. The person who wants a quick glass should be able to get one while someone else asks about the punch. Our guide to hosting an alcohol-free dinner covers planning the rest of the meal.

Write labels people can use

Name the drink and list the ingredients of a mixed batch. “Apple juice, sparkling water and lime” tells a reader more than “holiday punch.” Keep packages nearby if someone needs to check what went into it. If you serve a beverage sold as nonalcoholic, leave the original label visible so guests can decide for themselves.

Keep scoops and pitchers at the alcohol-free table. If people are allowed to bring alcohol to the event, point out the separate station when they arrive. Ask guests to check with the host before adding a bottle or topping up a communal pitcher. If you discover a pitcher’s contents have changed, remove it until you know what is in it.

Assign one person to check refills

Write a short note for the volunteer covering the table. Give them the refill location and the recipe for any batch. Decide whether they should mix more or switch the empty pitcher for unopened drinks. If the drink runs out halfway through dinner, a clear label on the replacement is more useful than preserving the original display.

For a toast, let people use whatever they already have. Our alcohol-free toast guide offers wording that leaves the choice with guests. The NIAAA holiday hosting guidance also discusses providing alcohol-free choices.

Medallions to consider

If the potluck includes a sobriety milestone, arrange any medallion handover separately and ask the recipient how public they want it to be.

Both catalog photos show one-year samples. Confirm your choice in the Sobriety Time selector.

Tricolor Enchanted Crimson Topaz Sparkle

Elite crimson design with a stone-set triangle. The selector lists 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 65 years.

Tricolor Glittering Aqua

Deluxe aqua design with a white triangle. The selector lists 24 hours, 18 months and annual milestones from 1 to 50 years.

Common questions

Should I put the alcohol-free options on the invitation?

A short note such as “Water and alcohol-free drinks will be available” can help people plan. You can also tell guests where the table will be.

What if someone asks which drink another guest chose?

Help them find the drinks and leave other people’s choices private.