Q. I am shortly to hold a drinks party in
my garden and would welcome your advice. We have a friend whose wife seems to react badly to alcohol, often becoming argumentative with her husband and fellow guests after only a few glasses of wine. We have invited
this couple because we are fond of both of them — the wife could not be sweeter during daylight hours — but how can I prevent her from drinking too much while she is at my party and doing one of her numbers?
J.S., Wendover, Buckinghamshire A. Why not turn the latest fashion for drinks parties to your advantage? Instead of champagne, many hosts are offering a singlechoice alcoholic drink such as rum punch. Instruct one of your waiters to prepare a special jug with only minimal alcohol and be particularly attentive about refilling this woman's glass. Should you be able to lightly coat the rim of her glass with neat alcohol — Tequila Sunrise-style — this will add to her illusion that she is 'knocking it back'.
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