The holidays are here, and if you are one of the millions ofAmericans who will be hosting a gathering of friends and familythis holiday season, your party to-do list is likely a mile longalready.

To ease the burden, consider turning to outside vendors to helpwith party logistics. From catering and valet to bartenders anddecorators, having an extra set of arms and legs can go a long wayto ensure your holiday party goes off without a hitch.

To ensure a joyous — and safe — holiday season, here are fourguidelines you should follow when engaging with vendors to reduceyour liability exposure.

1. Cover the Basics

Hiring a third-party vendor can have significant upsides, butthere are related risks you should be aware of before movingforward with an engagement. To mitigate certain exposures, start byverifying that the vendor — regardless of function — is licensed,bonded and insured.

Next, go the extra step to inquire about their insurancecoverage. Who is their carrier? Do they have adequate coverage andwhat are their policy limits? Once you've settled on a vendor,obtain a signed contract that outlines the functions and servicesthe vendor will provide. Ensure that the contract includes ahold-harmless clause.

2. Serve Alcohol with Caution

Bartenders or catering staff that will be serving alcohol poseliability risks that require individualized attention. To begin,you should only hire a bartending or catering service that insuresits employees against liquor-related liabilities.

Most importantly, let the bartenders do their jobs. While itmight seem frivolous to insist that a bartender cards a neighbor'schild who you know is of age (but might appear to be under 21),failing to do so can negate certain personal liability coverages.For the same reason, let the bartender pour all drinks. Finally, itgoes without saying that any guest who appears to be intoxicatedshould be cut off.

3. Create a Parking Plan

Hiring a valet service or parking attendants can make an eventmore enjoyable for guests and minimize collisions on your property,prevent blocking of nearby roads, and allow for organized and safeentries and departures.

Once guests have handed their car over to the valet, you're notout of the clear. To prevent slips, trips and falls, be sure toclear walkways and add additional exterior lights.

4. Decorate with Care

Knowing where people will and won't be standing can helpdecorators determine the appropriate decorations. Candles, forinstance, can easily be knocked over and result in a fire. Callingout the various electrical outlets around the room when doing awalk-through with a decorator can help avoid electrical overloads,which can cause a power surge and potentially result in a fire.

No matter what specific holiday you celebrate, the holidayseason is about spending time with friends and family. For thosethat will be hosting a gathering, take a few minutes to thinkthrough your personal liability exposure. You might just find itwill elicit some unexpected holiday cheer.