The holidays are around the corner, and that can mean it's time for that holiday party. Whatever you are celebrating every host's goal is simple: Throwing a party that guests will remember for years to come. If you're hosting a holiday party in your home, there's one more thing to consider (along with the merriment and cheer, of course), and that's ensuring that your celebration is not just fun but safe too.

As a holiday party host, you might be liable for certain types of accidents and your holiday get-together will be much less stressful if you take care of safety considerations ahead of time. Here are our top tips for hosting a safe party during the holidays.

With their warm glow and shimmer, holiday lights add a festive ambiance to any party that's almost magical. Along with setting a joyful mood in your home, well-placed lights can help keep your guests safe by illuminating dark hallways, staircases and any other areas that might be difficult to navigate during a party. However, when you're placing lights, be sure to:

• Keep cords tangle-free and safely out of paths or walkways, to avoid any tripping hazards
• Avoid overloading electrical outlets, as this may lead to overheating and electrical or fire safety issues
• Attach no more than three incandescent light strings together at once
• Ensure that cords aren't pinched in doors, windows or under furniture, which can damage their protective insulation.

As party guests enter your home and move from room to room, it's essential to keep walkways clear and safe. We've already talked about keeping electrical cords tucked safely away, but it's also important to eliminate any obstacles that could cause guests to trip or fall. Start outside your home and clear away accumulated snow or ice on the driveway, sidewalk, walkways and porch. While you're at it, ensure all lights are working properly, and replace any dead bulbs. If you notice any uneven pavement, consider placing a sign alerting guests to be extra cautious. Take the same precautions inside your home, ensuring that stairs and hallways are clear and free of obstacles that may cause tripping, such as rug corners, cords or stray toys.

If you suspect your party may continue into the wee hours, make provisions to keep your guests safe. Consider offering a guest room, setting up a ride service or simply keeping local taxi numbers (or ridesharing information) on hand.

Well before your event, do your homework and take a look at your homeowners or renters liability policy. Your insurance agent is a great resource to help you understand your coverage and any potential liability associated with your party.