# Help! My In-Laws Are Coming to Thanksgiving, and I’m Very Concerned About What They Plan to “Contribute.”

> In-laws plan Thanksgiving alcohol chaos; advice on handling drunk guests.
- Title: Help! My In-Laws Are Coming to Thanksgiving, and I’m Very…
- Summary: In-laws plan Thanksgiving alcohol chaos; advice on handling drunk guests. Hosts can manage in-laws' alcohol by setting boundaries or switching to brunch to…
- Keywords: thanksgiving, in-laws, alcohol, hosting, brunch, drunk guests, family dinner, gift exchange, Slate Magazine
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/11/dear-prudence-in-laws-thanksgiving-contribution.html?via=rss
- Author: Jenée Desmond-Harris
- Published: 2026-11-05T17:29:00.587+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: thanksgiving, in-laws, alcohol, hosting, brunch, drunk guests, family dinner, gift exchange
## In-laws bring alcohol
Thanksgiving is about a month away, and the host worries about in-laws bringing alcohol.
## In-laws get drunk
In-laws often get drunk and end up unconscious by the end of the evening.
## PUBS signs for alcohol overdose
Check for PUBS signs: puking, unresponsiveness, noisy breathing, blue skin, or pale lips.
## Call 911 for emergencies
If one PUBS sign is seen, call 911 immediately for alcohol overdose help.
## National Poison Center
Call 1-800-222-1222 for free medical advice if unsure about alcohol safety.
## Sober friend help
If impaired, enlist a sober friend to ensure clear decision-making.
## Manage drunk guests
Let husband handle in-laws who get drunk and fall asleep on couch.
## Blankets and water
Place blankets over drunk guests and water bottles near them for hangover.
## Greasy hangover breakfast
Plan a greasy hangover breakfast with mimosas for in-laws.
## Shake awake or drive home
Shake in-laws awake or drive them home if they are too drunk.
## Ask husband to let them go
Ask husband to let in-laws know you’re not comfortable hosting them.
## Switch to brunch
Change dinner to brunch to avoid alcohol consumption between 11 am and 1 pm.
## Brunch alternative
Brunch lets in-laws go to bars after without ruining living room.
## Key takeaway

Hosts can manage in-laws' alcohol by setting boundaries or switching to brunch to avoid drunk guests.