We can think of diet-friendlier ways to celebrate holidays, but imagine Independence Day without beer, Christmas without eggnog and New Year's Eve without champagne.

Alcohol comes in just behind fat in caloric density, weighing in at 7 calories per gram, according to Elizabeth Somer, MA, RD, author of 10 Habits that Mess Up a Woman's Diet. Even denser is the amount of festivities squeezed into the year-end holiday season. Trying to navigate the party circuit with any amount of zest, says Somer, is likely to leave you with a 10-pound weight gain, a serious hangover or both.

So what's a partyer like you to do? Sip selectively.

Make friends before drinks

First and foremost: Understand that being the life of the party does not mean being the hostess with the mostest liquor in her bloodstream. "Know your limit in drinking, and don't go over it," says Leil Lowndes, author of How to Be a People Magnet and How to Talk to Anyone about Anything. "It may make you feel good at the moment, but you will suffer later."

Instead, she suggests having a pre-fete game plan to keep you occupied. "Set specific party goals like meeting three new people. Then, find a sociable friend to introduce you," says Lowndes.

By making the rounds before grabbing a round, you can easily pass an hour swept up in conversation. The longer you can delay the first trip to the bar, the better your chances for keeping a steady pace throughout the evening.

Avoid playing favorites

The average drink packs about 150 calories, according to Somer. "Women think of beer as fattening, but you'll gain weight twice as fast with a vodka tonic or a cosmopolitan," she says.

Putting back an 8-ounce margarita can cost you 370 calories or more. Dare to drink two and you're looking at the caloric equivalent of a McDonald's Quarter Pounder with Cheese and a small order of fries.

"Stay away from drinks made with high-calorie mixes," advises Somer. "And choose a drink that is not your favorite. You will drink less."