Ten Holiday Party Mood Kills

It won’t be long now until someone is wearing the lampshade, someone is in the corner crying and someone is under the mistletoe being more than merry. Holiday party time! Don’t let bad behavior kill the mood. WomanDay.com has a word of warning and a way out.
10 holiday party mood killers --and how to fix them:

1. Someone Brings Up Politics or Religion. This is no time to be smooth --obviously change the subject and make a joke out of it. Too shy to speak up? Switch the music and throw on some bouncy, banging show tunes or BRUCE SPRINGSTEEN.

2. Someone Criticizes the Food or Music. Resist the urge to defend yourself --offer the guest a sandwich or see if people want to throw their iPhone into the iPod dock.

3. Someone Shows Up Uninvited or without RSVP'ing. It may be rude, but it's your job to make sure guests have a good time. Add another place setting, divide up the portions and roll with it. If you're nervous, phone everyone on your guest list two days before.

4. Someone Spills or Breaks Something. Don't flip out when red wine is doused on your cream rug --this is what happens when you mix alcohol and crowds. Have cleaning supplies ready and don't make a big deal out of it, the guest probably feels horrible as it is. Stow away heirlooms and collectibles before the bash and consider serving clear beverages if you're worried about the carpet.

5. Someone Drinks Too Much. If they're out of control, take them to the other room and offer a cab or sober ride home. Make sure people don't drink on an empty stomach by serving lots of hors d'oeuvres.

6. You Run Out of Food or Drinks. Bring out food in phases --it takes 20 minutes for people to realize they're full. If you need more grub, pop a few frozen pizzas in the oven and serve on elegant trays.

7. Someone Acts Sexually Inappropriate with Another Guest. Harmless flirtations are one thing --unwanted advances are another. You may have to pull the offender into another room and ask they stay far away from the object of their affection.

8. Someone Shows Up Super-Early or Just Won't Leave. Put early birds to work making the salad and thank diehards for showing up while steering them toward the door.

9. Someone Brings Children to an Adults-Only Gathering. State on the invite that this is a strictly grown-up event, then apologize for the misunderstanding and ask them to bring their children home.

10. A Guest Tells a Dirty or Racist Joke. It's okay to call out the guest in public --you have an obligation as host to make sure everyone is courteous and nothing ruins a party faster than an untamed, obnoxious guest.