New Years Eve Options...
New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest celebrations of the year, a chance to reminisce on what an amazing year it’s been or to drown your sorrows and vow to the ‘New Year, new you’ even if you do say it every year. Either way, it shouldn’t be spent stuck indoors lounging on the sofa in front of the TV. Beyond your front door awaits an abundance of opportunities to start the New Year in style. From grand masquerade balls to club nights and spectacular firework displays, there’s always something going on.
Planning an amazing night can be quite overwhelming, especially if you’re hosting a party. No-one wants to end up spending their New Year’s Eve cornered by an elderly relative, having to endure the lecture of how things used to be in the fifties or whenever they were our age.
To avoid that unbearable scenario, why not celebrate on the dance floor listening to some of your favourite songs?
All of your local clubs will be hosting their very own New Year’s Eve bash, perfect if your bank balance is feeling the pinch after Christmas. Having an army of friends isn’t always a good thing.
Don’t be afraid to venture a little further as the major cities biggest clubs will make it worth your visit. The capital in particular draws in thousands year in, year out. You’re spoilt for choice on where to head to as each club has so much to offer. Dollop events have earned itself a reputation for hosting colossal New Year’s Eve parties every year at a venue in London. Then there’s Studio 338, boasting one of London’s best club terraces, where you’ll be blast into the New Year with a house and techno marathon. There’s an endless list of nightclubs eager to show you how New Year’s Eve is done so do your homework and find the one you don’t want to miss out on.
London isn’t just well known for its unbeatable clubbing scene on the biggest party night of the year. It also has an unforgettable firework display. As soon as it begins, you’ll forget about all those hours waiting in the cold and the elbow beating you’ll get from the crowd when trying to squeeze your way to the front. The night sky is brought to life with an array of colours and specially created soundtrack. It is one of the biggest celebrations of its kind in the world, a breath taking sight you can’t get from watching on a screen.
If the year’s been kind to you and you’re lucky enough to go that one step further then why not spend the night at a masquerade ball? Check out what’s happening in your local area as masquerade balls are a popular choice of event, dotted all over the country. It’s a night to make the most of where you’re likely to be welcomed by red carpets, supersized chocolate fountains, an irresistible banquet and, of course, cocktails and champagne. Whichever masquerade ball takes your fancy, it’s a chance to feel like royalty. But remember, if you lose your shoe on the way out, you’re not Cinderella; you’re just drunk.
Hosting your own party is always an option, but be warned, this can be stressful; plus you’ll probably be running around the entire night, making sure no-one is going to vomit! Another option is to hire a hall. If you decide to do that, be sure to know your audience. I doubt you’re going to see your great grandmother head banging to the same music as you. If you’re providing food then it’s wise to check if any of your guests have any allergies as spending New Year’s Eve in A&E is surprisingly boring. So do your homework on the DJ and caterer.
Having the party in your own house means you are the DJ and caterer. Creating a playlist is one of the first things on your to-do list, there’s only so many times your guests can listen to the same Ed Sheeran song you’d forgotten about on your iPod. We all love nibbles at a New Year’s Eve party where we can overindulge for a little longer before the dreaded New Year diet, but if you‘re the host this year, don’t buy too much grub (although all the leftover food will give you the perfect reason to postpone the diet). Just know that if you’re sending your guests home walking like a crab and speaking their very own version of the English language, the party has been a success.
By Georgina Mullany