How to Throw a New Year's Eve Party

So your friends and relatives have elected you—or you’ve volunteered—to ring in 2007 at your place. But as much fun as it is to host a New Year’s Eve party, there are some grave responsibilities attached: to keep your guests entertained, to see everyone home safely, and keep everyone in drinks and chips before the big ball drops. Follow these rules, and your New Year’s bash will be the talk of the town until, well, 2008.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Liqueurs
• Guacamole
• Party favors
• Chips
• Beer
• Salsa
• Wine

1. Warn your neighbors. Unless you want the police to shut down your party at 10:30 PM, it’s a good idea to tell your neighbors ahead of time about your big wingding—and, of course, invite them over to participate in the festivities. Even if they choose not to attend, they’ll know what to expect, and thus will be less likely to knock on your door and complain (or punch you in the face).

2. Stock up on drinks. You probably have a pretty good idea of your friends’ tastes in alcohol, so be sure to have enough wine, beer, and liqueur on hand to slake their New Year's thirst. If you’re worried about running out, ask your guests to bring a six-pack of imported beer or a liter of gin or vodka. It’s also a good idea to stock some less-common items (bourbon, single-malt scotch), in case anyone asks.

3. Prepare some food. No, you don’t have to hire a snooty French chef to roll up flamed escargot in herb-cured bacon. Two big tubs of guacamole and salsa will do just fine, with enough chips to feed the starting lineup of the San Francisco 49ers. (This only applies if your party starts later in the evening. If you’re asking guests to arrive at 7 or 8, it’s incumbent upon you to provide an actual meal.)

4. Procure some party favors (or don't). Depending how tacky your friends are, they may or may not appreciate being assigned flimsy paper party hats and dollar-store tooters as they walk through the door. If you want to ring in New Year’s the hipster way, give each of your guests a sheet of bubble wrap and encourage them to start popping at midnight.

5. Don’t let your guests drive home drunk. This isn’t only an ethical responsibility, but in some states hosts can be held responsible if an inebriated guest gets into an accident. Ask your friends to appoint designated drivers, and if this arrangement falls through, set aside enough room for two or three guests to spend the night, if necessary. It’s better to be a bit inconvenienced at home than to unleash a drunk driver on the neighborhood.

[amethystnb]

on 12/28/2006 I think stopping at your local Trader Joe's to pick up some nice appetizers is better than just chips and salsa.