The holidays are here, and if you are one of the millions of Americans who will be hosting a gathering of friends and family this holiday season, your party to-do list is likely a mile long already.

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

To ensure a joyous — and safe — holiday season, here are four guidelines you should follow when engaging with vendors to reduce your liability exposure.

1. Cover the Basics

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

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

2. Serve Alcohol with Caution

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

Most importantly, let the bartenders do their jobs. While it might seem frivolous to insist that a bartender cards a neighbor's child 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, it goes without saying that any guest who appears to be intoxicated should be cut off.

3. Create a Parking Plan

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

Once guests have handed their car over to the valet, you're not out of the clear. To prevent slips, trips and falls, be sure to clear walkways and add additional exterior lights.

4. Decorate with Care

Knowing where people will and won't be standing can help decorators determine the appropriate decorations. Candles, for instance, can easily be knocked over and result in a fire. Calling out the various electrical outlets around the room when doing a walk-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 holiday season is about spending time with friends and family. For those that will be hosting a gathering, take a few minutes to think through your personal liability exposure. You might just find it will elicit some unexpected holiday cheer.

Special Reports /

’Tis the Season for Liability

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