New Year's Eve Party Survival Guide

Published Dec. 30, 2009 at 10:13 a.m.

It is that time of year again, and it is not the average turn of a new year because Friday also marks the beginning of the second decade (and end of the first) of this new millennium. So there is extra reason to celebrate. As I do every year, I'm putting together a few ideas to help you celebrate New Year's Eve in style...

Elit Midnight Millionaire
Photo Courtesy: Stoli Vodka

• New Year's Eve Cocktails - From the Midnight Martini to the Resolution Martini and the Happy New Year to the Millennium Cocktail, these ten cocktails are the most appropriate drinks for the occasion.
• Champagne Cocktails - Mixing drinks with Champagne is becoming more popular every year and if you are hosting the party these drinks are sure to leave an impression on the new year.
• New Year's Resolutions for the Discerning Drinker - Don't have a resolution yet? If you would like to improve your cocktails in 2010 this fun list may help you decide what to work on.
• New Year's Eve Party Planning - Donna Pilato, About.com Guide to Entertaining, is filled with great ideas for every occasion and New Year's is no exception. Read through her tips for setting the party stage whether you hosting an intimate, cozy affair or a "blast from the past" theme.
• New Year's Eve Food Recipes - A dinner with champagne in every course? Now that's an idea that will get the party started right. Check out all of Peggy Trowbridge Filippone's, About.com Guide to Home Cooking, New Year's Eve food suggestions. I vote for fondue.
• Going Out? - If you are headed out on the town with friends to celebrate you will not have a difficult time finding something to do. Of course, the hot spot is always Times Square in New York City, but the parties are rocking everywhere. Look in your local paper for parties near you and check out some of the highlights from About.com's Travel Guides, who cover most of the major metropolitan areas.
• Drink Smart - I will never be able to say this enough, but it is important, even on a special night like New Year's Eve, to drink responsibly. Keep the number of cocktails you drink in check, switch to water every now and then, and even ask your bartender for a special non-alcoholic drink. Also, designate a driver or plan alternative transportation if you're going out as the alternative consequences are no way to begin anew. Many bars and lounges will have special DD programs and incentives and there's no shame in being the sober one.
• Hangover Help? - I believe that January 1st is the one day of the year when the largest, communal hangover takes place. There are things that you can do to "prevent" a hangover (though there is a limit) and a few drinks you can prepare the night before to help relieve the pain. There is a very good reason that the 1st is also Bloody Mary Day, but I'll have more on that Friday.

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New Year's Eve Party Survival Guide originally appeared on About.com Cocktails on Wednesday, December 30th, 2009 at 10:13:53.

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