Mulled wine, champagne, snowballs, eggnogs, cocktails– thank goodness Christmas comes but once a year. All those extra nights out and Christmas parties mean most of us are likely to enjoy a few extra festive tipples but it's all too easy to go too far. Female First look at how to drink responsibly and still have fun through the party season.

No one wants to be the person who gets way too drunk at the office party and has to face their boss on Monday morning unaware that they treated him to a dreadful display of pole dancing a few nights before. Nor do you want to wake up in the morning next to the post boy and not remember how you ended up naked. Check out this guide on how to avoid feeling like a right Christmas pudding this year.......

To survive the festive season and avoid the pitfalls of alcoholic over indulgence this Christmas, follow these top tips from drinkaware.co.uk

  • Pace yourself and your drinks. Drink a soft drink after every alcoholic drink. It might sound like you're going to be a kill joy but most Christmas parties start earlier than normal nights out so you will be thankful by the end of the night.

  • Don’t feel pressurised into matching drink for drink with you mates. A tonic looks just the same as a vodka and tonic. A cola looks the same with or without the rum.

  • If you're going out in the car, decide beforehand who'll be "Des" - your designated non-drinking driver. Never drink and drive- that goes without saying to all of us with any brains.

  • Plan a safe way to get home before you go, using public transport or licensed taxi companies. Make sure you've got telephone numbers and enough money kept aside for taxis.

  • Don’t drink on an empty stomach. Eat before you go out or enjoy snacks or a meal with your drink....and, no, that chip you grabbed off your kid's plate as you were running out of the door does not line your stomach for a night on the vodka.

  • Drink water regularly to stay refreshed and to fight dehydration - your skin and head will thank you for it.

  • Don't accept drinks from strangers and never leave your drink unattended - it's all too easy for someone to spike your drink.

  • Look out for your friends and make sure they look out for you.

  • Too much Christmas spirit isn't always a good thing. Take plenty of booze breaks throughout the festivities to help keep the peace.

  • Don't succumb to the beer goggles effect - you might think you've met your dream date – that is, until the effect wears off.

  • Alternatively don’t miss out on getting extra friendly with that perfect mate this Christmas. Remember that too much drink will do nothing for your looks - you're drop dead gorgeous until you drop down drunk.

  • You may find yourself wanting to do more than kiss under the mistletoe so carry a condom and practice safe sex.

For more advice on drinking responsibly go to www.drinkaware.co.uk.