With Thanksgiving behind us and Christmas fast approaching, we're in the thick of the holiday season with plenty more gatherings to come before we ring in the New Year. Between spiked punches and signature cocktails, it's all too common for alcohol to be a staple at many holiday events. However, it's essential to remember that not everyone drinks. In a report shared by NCSolutions, 41% of Americans aimed to drink less alcohol this year, with younger generations (Millenials and GenZ) leading the sober curious movement.

So, while the big guy up at the North Pole is making his list and checking it twice, you should do the same to consider all of your guests' needs. Offering non-alcoholic drinks is more than just a thoughtful gesture; it's a way to create an inclusive and welcoming atmosphere for all your guests.

Many people start the new year fresh by participating in the Dry January movement, abstaining from alcohol for the entire month. Others are participating in travel trends such as dry-tripping (also known as sober curious travel) and the option to be alcohol-free during their travels.

There are many reasons why your family, friends and colleagues may choose not to drink at social gatherings. Some may be recovering from addiction or supporting their partner in sobriety, while others may have health concerns, religious beliefs or simply a preference not to drink.

Non-alcoholic beverages offer a much-needed alternative to alcohol on every occasion, says Brook Addington, CEO of TOST, a line of spirit-free sparkling wines. She further explains that non-alcoholic drinks are not just for those abstaining from alcohol that day, week, month or as a lifestyle choice but also as a moderation beverage for those who are drinking -- be it for health, safety or perhaps just to extend the night! Whatever the reason, it's crucial to respect their choices and steer away from asking people prying questions when they decline an alcoholic beverage.

This sentiment reminded me of a post I found while doomscrolling social media. The beloved Flavor Flav tweeted a beautiful reminder of inclusion a few days before Thanksgiving. The brief and to-the-point tweet read, "Note for the upcoming holiday season: some of us are on a sobriety journey, and mocktails or non-alcoholic beer options make a big difference."

Creating an inclusive bar or beverage station is where you can shine because non-alcoholic drinks are just as flavorful, fun and festive as their alcoholic counterparts.

Flavor Flav's tweet was a simple message that low-key encourages us to be friends with benefits -- no, not that kind of benefits. Instead, be the friend who anticipates other people's needs at parties. We should be preparing for sober attendees in the same manner that we prepare for others. Our sober or sober-curious friends should not be tasked with ultimately bringing their drinks to our events.

JD Mitchell, co-founder of Modica, a brand of award-winning mixers, knows a thing or two about creating good beverages for everyone. "As a host, it's about going beyond basic juice or soda to offer thoughtful, elevated options so all your guests can enjoy a drink as special as the occasion itself," he shared. So, here's how to create the perfect inclusive bar and beverage station.

Let's keep guests hydrated throughout the night. You can offer a selection of infused waters alongside mint leaves, berries, lemon wedges or cucumber slices. For an extra touch, set out an assortment of sparkling waters. Drink Simple has a refreshing line of sparkling maple water flavors, such as orange cream, cherry cola and raspberry lemon. It's like having a tasty pop without all the bad stuff.

Juices are incredible, but why not get mixers crafted by actual mixologists who can help you create your favorite cocktail at home with that authentic bar taste? That's what you'll get from Modica mixers. One of my go-to drinks is an old-fashioned, so I'm picky about deviating from the original recipe. However, the tart cherry old-fashioned mixer was delightful as a mocktail and standard cocktail. The same goes for its blueberry lavender lemon drop mixer. It was like having the bartender's favorite drink from their secret menu.

Of course, you can recreate cocktails without alcohol using mixers and spirit alternatives, but canned mocktails are pretty tasty and plentiful to have on hand. One of my favorites is Paloma's and Cuba Libre, which Free AF makes. I didn't miss the taste of alcohol in either, so to me, that makes it the real deal.

Is it a celebration if you're not pouring a glass of bubbly? This is where you'll want to have a few bottles of TOST on hand. Its sparkling wines are crisp, flavorful and refreshing... guests can have several glasses without those pesky headaches they can sometimes cause.

Teas and coffees are my favorite things to have on hand. I collect them when I travel, so offering flavors worldwide is fun. For another elevated touch, I use festive sugar cubes from Storied Goods. The sugars are infused with cinnamon, edible glitter or dried flowers, perfect for hot tea or a glass of bubbly. They're just the thing to wow your guests in the simplest but tastiest ways.

Give your friends all the relevant details on the invitation -- which should indicate that non-alcoholic beverages are available. For example, you could say something like, "Join us for mocktails and cocktails" or "Spirit-free and spirit-led drinks available." The verbiage on the invitation sends the essential message that everyone is welcome, regardless of their drinking preferences. Everyone wins when we create inclusive environments and use inclusive language.

Don't let your guests feel inferior because they are enjoying alternative options. One of the best ways to do this is to use festive glasses, garnishes and ingredients to make non-alcoholic drinks feel just as unique. Cocktails are often presented in a whimsical way or a fun glass. Do this for your non-drinking friends, too. You can visit a thrift store or Dollar Tree to find an assortment of glasses without breaking the bank. If you're worried about having a surplus of glasses, let your guests know they are keepsake items.

For larger gatherings, we use Tossware. The glasses are shatterproof, which is always a plus, and I like that I can customize them based on shape, color or even a logo to fit the party's theme. They're disposable (and eco-friendly), which is another bonus. When it's a smaller and more intimate setting, I use glassware from Saludi. The various colors and shapes add a touch of elegance to the tablescape or bar cart. They're what you want to have to toast life's special moments, like gathering with loved ones.

Admittedly, I am incredibly nervous about someone on a sober journey accidentally being exposed to an alcoholic beverage. If you plan to have spirit alternatives, you'll want to clearly label non-alcoholic options so guests know what they can enjoy. At other parties, we used the Bartesian Cocktail Dispenser for guests who were using wine and spirits in their drinks, while the freestanding bottles and mixers were the non-alcoholic options. The Bartestian allows you to have different alcohol options that pair with a mix capsule to create a cocktail at the press of a button. It was a fun way to keep things separate and our guests entertained.

The holiday season is a time for connection, joy and inclusivity. However, it's equally essential, says Brook, to know that you can have just as much fun without alcohol. By offering non-alcoholic drinks, you show respect for your guests' choices and create a welcoming atmosphere that everyone can enjoy. So, go ahead and get creative with your non-alcoholic drink options. Your guests will thank you, and your holiday gathering will be all the merrier!