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Step 1
Send invitations to your party about 2 weeks in explaining that you'd like them to join you for a small years gathering. You should also include that there will be a formal dinner and the attire for the evening is dressy.
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Step 2
You can either cook the meal yourself, have it catered or elect for guests to each bring a home-made dish. Set the table well in advance so you can check it off your list asap.
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Step 3
Before guests arrive, have soft, but upbeat music playing (lively jazz, smooth crooners like Michael Buble) and Champagne chilling to set the mood.
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Step 4
Dress to impress. The host should set the example. Let your guests feel comfortable in your home. Set out a tray of food to keep guests busy and have conversation topics on hand. Also, is your gang is into games, Balderdash is a perfect one!
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Step 5
Continue to talk and joke until about 1/2 hour before the new year. Usually, you don't want to watch a movie after 10 because some of your guests might fall asleep! Turn on the tube and watch the ball drop, etc, etc, throw confetti and hug and tell of your New years resolutions.
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Step 6
Most importantly, be yourself and don't freak out if things don't go perfectly. These are your closest friends--have fun!
