'Tis the season to party! Celebrate in style with our POINTS® values-friendly recipes. Plus, advice on how to breeze through to the New Year without piling on the pounds.

Holiday parties don't have to derail your weight-loss efforts, especially if you play the role of host. So plan a festive get-together for family and friends, using some of our they-won't-believe-these-are-Weight-Watchers-recipes, below, and you can indulge with the rest of the crowd. And if the party's not at your place, don't worry: Here are some tips that'll keep you in tip-top shape well past the New Year.

Be inquisitive. If you're not sure of a food's POINTS values, ask. "Even that innocent-looking mushroom might be stuffed with bacon and cheese, and swimming in butter sauce. A simple 'That looks wonderful — what's in it?' to the hostess will suffice," says Sheila Kelly, MS, RD, former director of product research and development for WeightWatchers.com.

Strategize. Situate yourself away from the tray of hors d'oeuvres and that bowl of cocktail nuts. If you can't reach out and touch them, they can't reach out and touch you. Also try out this tip suggested by a poster on our Food Talk Message Board: Hold a purse in one hand so that your other one can hold a plate or a drink — not both.

Stay aware. "Drinking too much can make you susceptible to overeating," warns Kelly. So keep your intake light by alternating alcoholic beverages with diet soda or water. And when you do drink, try something a bit more low-cal, like a wine or Champagne spritzer or light beer.

Defend yourself. Make sure you don't end up eating more than you planned for by filling up on a high-fiber snack before a party. Try a fruit salad or some carrots and bean dip. After all, empty stomachs sometimes result in overfull plates.

Face reality. You can bake yourself gingerbread any time of the year. So when it comes to holiday-related eating, it's not now or never. Choose the foods you truly love and the ones you'd never make.

Prepare. Can't wait to have greasy potato latkes or a few gingerbread men? Then save some of your POINTS Allowance for them. Be a smart spender, though, and check the POINTS values for standard holiday foods before you take a bite. If they're not good values, "steer clear of them on the buffet table," Kelly advises.

Help out. Play assistant chef and volunteer to make some healthy snacks. "Bring several low-calorie dips to the party so you know you have something to nosh," suggests another Food Talk Board poster.

Our healthy cocktail party menu

Spicy BBQ Meatballs	POINTS value = 1
Reuben Bites	POINTS value = 1
Cumin Pita Wedges with Spicy Hummus	POINTS value = 2
Roasted Chickpeas	POINTS value = 2
Crackle Spice Drop Cookies	POINTS value = 1
Linzer Bars	POINTS value = 3
Gingerbread	POINTS value = 2
Holiday Sugar Cookies	POINTS value = 3
Egg Nog	POINTS value = 5
Holiday Punch	POINTS value = 2