The Home Setting Provide seats for all, plan enough space or people to move around, and keep the lights on. The Bartender Choose a bartender of known discretion. Pace the Drinks Serve drinks at regular, reasonable intervals. The length of the interval will depend on whether the guests are enjoying the company or the drinks more.
Many people count and pace their drinks.
If you serve doubles, they will be drinking twice as much as they planned. Let the glass be empty before you offer a refill. And then, do not rush, especially if someone comes up empty too fast. Do this while your guests are drinking, not after. This is important because food slows down the rate at which alcohol is absorbed into the bloodstream.