Author: Datepad | Total views: 60 Comments: 0
Word Count: 793 Date: Sat, 6 Dec 2008 9:43 AM

New Years Eve, Is the Party Over?

For many of us New Years Eve is a time to get together to celebrate the past year and for many the party has changed over the years. I have done it all, I have spent lots of money on the hotel room, tickets to a show and of course lots of money of food and drinks. I have done nothing and have also hosted and been to many house parties. Here is a breakdown of the many options you have this year while of course being budget minded.

The first option is going out and this really isn't budget minded and for more reasons than that I would rate this at the bottom of my list. I find going out and doing the 'big party' is nothing more than a waste of money and is usually more stressful than enjoyable. First you have to get tickets to a show or party, then find a hotel room and organize things with your friends. The only recommendation I can make as it relates to an evening like this, try to do this without requiring a taxi. Now I am not suggesting to drink and drive, what I mean is have everything within walking or stumbling distance.

Next is find a party that a friend or family is having and crash it, maybe even wait for an invitation. Most of these get togethers are low stress and the best part is they don't cost much. I love going to a tapas or potluck party, everyone brings a little something. The host should be responsible for all of the eating utensils, ice and not much more. Bring your own drinks or plan to share some drinks with the group. I have often seen some type of alcohol punch like sangria is fun. The best place to have a house party is whomever's home has the most beds, again on New Year's hailing a cab is near impossible and if you want to have some fun it's important to know there will be a place to sleep.

I love hosting parties and while this isn't usually as cheap as crashing someone else's I prefer it. I love having a big group of people over to cook for and enjoy some drinks. To be honest nothing makes me happier, here are some tips to throwing a great party. Depending on how competent you are in the kitchen this is always a great time to break out a unique recipe and impress your guests. Start watching the food network or start reading some cookbooks. There are tons of great recipes out there that are relatively easy to prepare and will garner many great accolades.

I like to try and prepare everything in advance, if you're good with your knife save some cutting to impress your friends past that try and get as much done before your guests arrive. Buy fresh local ingredients and try to find one unique ingredient that will stir up some conversation. I also like to use meat that most don't use, like Lamb, Ostrich or use a really tough piece of beef. This unusual mains will be sure to have your guests talking long after the lights go out.

There is also the option of doing nothing, this is what I call renting a movie with your partner and maybe even going to bed before midnight. New Years can be a great excuse to spend some alone time with your loved ones and this is going to be the cheapest way to spend the evening.

Lastly and this is by far the best New Years I have had to date: go to a tropical resort. Ok so not everything on this list is cheap, that being said taking a vacation that lands on New Years is fantastic. My wife and I have been lucky enough to take two vacations during the holiday season, we usually leave on December 26th and spend two weeks in Mayan Riviera. I have to say these have been some of the best holidays we have ever had. While both my wife and I are world travelers it's nice to just be lazy and catch up on some reading while soaking up the sun. The other great part about being at a resort during New Years, they know how to throw a killer party. The food has always been amazing and well the drinks are awesome, having a margarita in December is a treat and I can very easily take myself back there!

I hope your New Years is everything you want it to be, fun, easy and no stress. Happy New Years to everyone!

About the Author

This article was written by Shawn Wilson, a member of the customer support team at Datepad, where internet dating is always free. Datepad has a massive directory of informative dating articles along with a great list of dating site reviews on their dating blog.