1. Watch What You Eat and Feed Others:

Trusted Choice reported in 2012 that nearly 111 million Americans outsource their food for the Thanksgiving holiday. But just because a caterer, another guest or a local restaurant is preparing the food, the host is not any less liable for food poisoning.

Hosts are still responsible, even if they did not prepare the food, themselves. Hosts should check the food, being careful not to serve anything that appears to be undercooked, spoiled or contaminated. Using reputable purveyors and following proper food-handling and storage recommendations can help hosts prevent food-born illness.

When in doubt, throw it out.

2. Mix up the Activities, not just the Cocktails:

Parties that center on drinking often result in guests drinking more, and although the holidays are a time for celebration, too much drinking could result in drunk driving accidents, for which the host could be responsible

Providing activities or entertainment that do not involve alcohol, serving filling food and non-alcoholic beverages for guests and making sure that designated drivers are established ahead of time can assist in preventing accidents.

Avoid Alcohol-related Accidents

3. Party Elsewhere:

Hosting a party at a public location, such as a restaurant or bar that has a liquor license, can help decrease liability for hosts.

4. Call a Cab, Get a Room or Have a Slumber Party:

Arranging transportation or overnight accommodations for guests are much safer alternatives to drinking and driving.

5. Just Say No:

Hosts should be on the lookout for any guests who appear visibly intoxicated in order to prevent accidents. Encouraging party hosts to stop serving alcohol at least one hour before the party is scheduled to end or hiring an off-duty police officer or bouncer to monitor guests' sobriety or handle any alcohol-related problems are some possible solutions for hosts looking to lower their risk.

Know the Laws

6. Do Your Homework:

Homeowners should consider looking at their homeowners' or renters' insurance policy to gain a thorough understanding of how far their coverage policies extend if they are sued and found liable for accidents involving a guests who drinks or becomes ill after consuming food in their home. Reviewing liability coverage limits to ensure adequate coverage can give hosts peace of mind in the midst of planning their holiday party.

7. Know Your State Laws and Statutes:

Laws differ from state to state. In some states, hosts can be held liable if a guest is involved in an alcohol-related accident. Courts have found hosts liable for damages as a result of guests being involved in alcohol related accidents.

Additionally, some statues can be interpreted as mandating non-commercial social host liability. This means that if a guest or a third party is injured related to alcohol consumption linked to a party, the host, as the provider, could be held responsible for medial bills, vehicle repair costs, lost time from work, and even wrongful death claims.

8. Consider an Umbrella Policy:

Although holiday partygoers and hosts are expected to behave responsibly, some do not always know their limits. Hosts can take preventative measures, but risks cannot be entirely eliminated. Planning ahead can be the best defense for Thanksgiving dinner hosts, and purchasing a personal “umbrella” liability policy may be a practical option for those who frequently hosts dinners and get-togethers.

“Thanksgiving dinner or even a neighborhood holiday potluck could have disastrous results for the host if someone is stricken with food-poisoning,” says Madelyn Flannagan, Big “I” vice president for education and research. “Whether the food served came from your kitchen, a five-star caterer or a pizza delivery truck, if you serve it, you could be liable if anyone gets sick.”