With the holidays rapidly approaching, thoughts of get-togethers and celebrations may be on your mind, and not necessarily in a good way. More than any other time of the year, many of us will be facing precarious situations where drinking is not only expected but encouraged. Clearly, if you have any doubts as to whether attending or hosting a holiday party will jeopardize your recovery, skipping this year’s festivities may be the safest thing to do. But, if you feel like doing a little entertaining, throwing a holiday brunch party can be a great way to ease into a newly sober social life.

Of all the types of holiday get-togethers you could host, a brunch is where guests are least likely to expect free flowing alcohol. Chances are even your drinking guests will defer to a nonalcoholic refreshment or cup of something hot, especially if the weather is chilly . Here are a few tips to keep in mind in order to make your brunch a success:

*Small is best: Don’t overwhelm yourself with more than eight or ten guests. Only invite as many people as you feel comfortably able to handle. If three or four is your limit, begin there. Be sure each guest knows that you are not drinking any longer, so they do not suddenly appear at the door with a bottle for the host. Your nearest and dearest friends and family will respect your tremendous effort at recovery and will not want to jeopardize your health, so don’t be afraid to tell them that booze will not be served.

*Specify the hours: On your invitation or in verbal communication, state the exact time of the party, for example, 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. This not only helps you organize your serving, but narrows the time frame for what might initially be a somewhat stressful endeavor for you, especially if this is your first time entertaining sober. Short but sweet is a good place to start.

*Stick to paper and plastic: Make clean-up easier by using disposable plates, napkins, utensils, and cups with holiday designs and colors that add to the seasonal festivity. Remove all drinking glasses related to alcohol from your cupboard, if you haven’t already, in case someone unknowingly grabs one to pour a drink. A sudden visual trigger, especially during a stressful event, could pose a problem.

*Provide plenty of nonalcoholic beverages: There are so many new alcohol-free beverages to choose from these days including microbrewed sodas, tea blends, and sparkling fruit drinks. Offer these or try your hand at making a zero-proof cocktail that is unusual and celebratory (see recipes below). Also have available individual cans or bottles of fruit juices and water, and of course coffee—both regular and decaf. Borrow a coffee urn or rent one from a party supply shop and make the coffee half an hour before arrival time. If it’s cold out, consider adding an urn of hot water to make specialty teas or cocoa.

*Don’t attempt to cook everything: Remember that you don’t have to make everything from scratch. Supplement your cooking with store-bought selections. For example, buy bagels and croissants if you are busy making frittatas or omelets. Or, if you enjoy baking muffins and scones, consider buying ready-made quiches or heat-and-serve hors d’oeuvres to supplement. Choose a menu that can be prepared ahead, with little left to do before people arrive.

*Enlist some help: Ask a close friend or spouse to help you along during the party, by bringing out food platters or clearing empty plates and cups, to lessen your job and allow you to mingle and relax with your guests. An occasional check-in to see how you’re coping can be invaluable from someone close, like a sober buddy or sponsor, who understands your trepidations. Don’t be afraid to ask for emotional support.

Fuzzy Wuzzy

Peach and apricot nectars, as well as a splash of orange and lime, come together to create a mocktail that’s ideal for serving at brunch and particularly delicious with croissants and muffins.

Serves 1

1/2 cup peach nectar
1/3 cup apricot nectar
Splash of orange seltzer
Dash of Rose’s sweetened lime juice
Orange slice and maraschino cherry, for garnish

Stir together the nectars in a medium-sized glass and add a few ice cubes. Add a splash of orange seltzer and a little Rose’s lime cordial, stir, and garnish with the orange slice and cherry.

Blackcurrant Ratafia

Aromatic and flavorful, ratafia are classic Mediterranean drinks that are traditionally made by infusing red wine with seasonal spices and fruit. Here, blackcurrant juice serves as the base instead, resulting in a hearty, slightly sweet version that is perfect for winter holidays when served hot. It’s a great alternative to mulled wine and can be made ahead for reheating later.

Serves 6

One 32-oz bottle blackcurrant juice
1 whole clementine orange, quartered
1 bay leaf
1 cinnamon stick
1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds
1/2 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

In a large saucepan combine all the ingredients and bring to a boil. Reduce the heat to low and simmer for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and allow to sit for 1 hour before pouring through a fine mesh strainer.

Reheat before serving in punch glasses or keep refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Recipes from Zero-Proof Cocktails, Alcohol-Free Beverages for Every Occasion, by Liz Scott Ten Speed Press, 2009.