New Year's Packages

Famous New Years Eve Hotels

2010-12-09T14:04:00.000-08:00

Every big city has its great hotels, and because the holiday season has started and New Year’s Eve seems to approach rather fast, here are some famous hotels you can listen to the clock striking midnight in when the last night of the year comes.

First of all, if you’re planning on going to Miami Beach, you should definitely stay at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. This is an exquisite set that has set the stage for an extraordinary holiday season experience. Whether you want to take your family or you want to party with more friends, this hotel in Miami is definitely your place to spend New Year’s Eve. There is a special gift you’ll receive for early reservations, so make sure you book up a room today.

If you’re looking for a famous hotel in Chicago, you can choose The Palmer Hotel, which is an absolutely iconic modern world-class hotel located downtown. It’s a really fun and lively destination and every great attraction is really near, so it would make a great New Year’s Eve destination.

The New York Marriott Marquis Hotel is located in the heart of Times Square and the Broadway theater district and it incorporates the energy and fun in all Manhattan. All the rooms and suites are sparkly; there are high-speed elevators and six hotel restaurants and lounges. If you add attractions such as Fifth Avenue shopping or Rockefeller Center nearby, you can bet you’ve chosen the best hotel to spend the last night of the year.

The Beverly Hills Hotel, also known as the “Pink Palace” is located on Sunset Boulevard and it is older than the city itself. Enjoy the Polo Lounge Restaurant for a great New Year’s Eve evening, or try the less expensive Fountain Coffee Shop and imagine you might be sleeping in one of the beds John F. Kennedy or Angelina Jolie have slept.

If you’re interested in a hotel in San Francisco, you should book a room at the St Francis Luxury Collection Hotel, located in the heart of the San Francisco, near Union Square or Chinatown. This is an amazing hotel you can enjoy some fun moments with your loved ones.

New Years Eve Chicago Ideas

2010-12-08T14:03:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Chicago Ideas

If you live in Chicago, or if you’re planning on spending New Year’s Eve there, you could either go to a club, listen to live music or you can simply enjoy a nice quiet family dinner at home. Whatever you choose to do, it’s important to keep a festive air floating all the time, have as much fun as possible and enjoy the last day of the year.

If you’re young and music and dancing are your all time favorites, your New Year’s Eve plans are quite simple to figure out: you should find a great club. You could even choose one that will be having a theme party or an open bar where you could drink free champagne and eat free appetizers. Dress up in a crazy costume, take your friends with and dance your way towards 2011. You can also opt for a less expensive club, maybe smaller and less crowded, especially if you are a party person but you also prefer to spend less.

If you still want to go out, but you’d prefer keeping it low, you can make reservations at one of the fancy restaurants and go with that special someone in your life or take a few close friends and spend a more quiet evening.

If you want to enjoy some great live concerts in Chicago, you can go to the Aragon Entertainment Center and enjoy the nice bands that will be playing at midnight. Or, you can go to the Navy Pier and enjoy some great live music and some great fireworks at midnight. Everything is free there, so you should make the most out of your evening. On the other hand, if you’re older or you simply don’t feel like partying like crazy in a club all night, you can always plan a great family dinner, maybe invite a couple of old friends over and have a blast. Arm yourself with plenty of food and drinks, confetti and party hats, invent fun party games and engage everyone in to playing. Count backwards at midnight and enjoy having everyone you love around you.

New Year's Eve Las Vegas Ideas

2010-12-06T14:02:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve Las Vegas Ideas

What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. We’re all familiar with the saying. But does the same apply for spending New Year’s Eve in Las Vegas? Well, it pretty much depends on what you decide to do in the last night of the year, while in Vegas.

Thus, if you’re planning on having a crazy New Year’s Eve in Vegas, start by searching for a not so pricey hotel there, and start searching ahead if you want to save some money also. Plus, make sure you also book an early flight there or go on a road trip and make things even more fun.

Once you get there, look for a club or a bar, but, whatever you do, make sure you are in the casino before you get locked out. If you’re also planning to eat something that night, make sure to plan your meal carefully. A reservation is the wisest action you should follow, as all places will be literally full.

If you’re an early person, wake up early on New Year’s Eve and sit in a sport book all day and watch football. The Las Vegas strip has some of the biggest parties every year. How big? Imagine a few hundred thousand people gathered around in the streets, waiting for the clock to strike midnight and to enter the New Year. This is an experience you will surely never forget, or not easily, anyway. You can watch the amazingly huge fireworks display at midnight. For even more excitement, find a place in the center of the crowd and enjoy the magic in the sky. Plus, the strip is going to be closed to car traffic, and there won’t be any vehicles ruining your evening. This party is totally free, all you need to do is buy all the drinks you want before the evening actually starts, as it will be very difficult to go from one place to another once you get there.

New Years Eve Ideas

2010-12-03T10:53:00.001-08:00

Everyone knows New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to establish new resolutions for the year to come. Plus, it means a day or, better yet, an evening full of surprises and a lot of fun for everyone, whether you celebrate in the streets with a champagne bottle in a hand and a glass in the other, or at a fancy restaurant or even in a special club. There are plenty of things you can do on New Year’s Eve, but if you are all out of ideas since last year, here are some interesting tips on how to spend the last day of the year and make the most out of it.

You can start by making your own personalized New Year’s party hats and noisemakers. Everyone loves these, and putting your own ideas into making them will boost the fun and pleasure. Even your kids can make them, just buy some basic art supplies, look up some great models and ideas on the Internet and off you go, playing the little artists. Plus, you can make your own noisemakers, use lots of glitter, stickers and decorations and make sure your kids can enjoy them before they go to bed.

Another great idea is to throw the biggest funkiest party ever, invite all of your friends and engage them into fun games. If they need a little stimulation, bring them their favorite drinks and loosen them up. As a matter of fact, as soon as your guests arrive, make sure you handle them a piece of paper with numbered from one to three and ask them to write down two real New Year’s resolutions and a fake one. Then, tape these notes on an empty wall and make sure everyone sees them and have a blast reading them. After a while, when everyone really starts to loosen up, ask your guests to state which are their fake resolutions for more fun.

If you don’t have a large budget, you can keep it low by dimming the lights, use sparkling décor and serve tasty party food in stemware. Everyone will believe you’ve spent a fortune on the party.

Family New Years Eve

2010-10-23T12:11:00.000-07:00

Spending quality time with your family in today's busy world is a big deal and New Year' Eve is probably one of the best times for some family fun. There are so many ways to enjoy New Year with family.

One can make use of the various New Year eve packages that are offered by many companies to spend the day at an exciting place. Alternately, people can go to a New Year party in a restaurant with family and enjoy the food and programs that take place there. One can also take a drive to some local favorite place and enjoy a picnic with family. This will help the moms and dads to spend some quality time with their kids.

Another great way is to have a quiet dinner at home with family followed by a movie. All members can lend a hand with cooking and this will make it all the more fun. You can bring out all the china and silver ware and have beautiful candle light dinner at home and enjoy the New Year eve. You can even arrange for a potluck with family and friends on the New Year Eve.

So, welcome the new year with your family so that you continue to have many days of family time through the new year.

How to Get New Years Eve Deals

2010-07-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

Most of us can save a tremendous amount of money and get incredible New Years Eve deals if we plan and act. At the end of the year, businesses come up with new promotional ideas to further their businesses and attract consumers for sales. If you want to get the best New Year Eve deals, consider the following pointers:

For Travel:

Ideally, travel deals and booking should be completed at least a month in advance. After deciding the place to visit, determine which travel agents offer the best tour packages on the destination of your choice. Compare packages from different agents in terms of cost, living conditions, travel fares, days of visit, VISA charges, and hidden costs.

For Shopping:

Every year, retail chain giants like Wal-Mart attract millions of consumers with their attractive deals during the last month of the year. They offer food items, clothing, and accessories at "throwaway prices". Before purchasing check their expiration dates and buy items that will benefit you economically (not just ones that seem like an awesome deal).

For Gifts:

New Years Eve means showering gifts to almost everyone we know – family, friends, neighbors, colleagues and others. Get those gift deals which offer heavy discounts for bulk purchases. For example, for return gifts you can select 2-3 gift items and buy their variants in terms of color and designs, and place a bulk order.

Cool New Years Eve Ideas

2010-07-05T11:37:00.000-07:00

The start of a new year should always be poignant and memorable, but not necessarily boisterous and wild. We all know that New Year’s Eve parties are suppose to be exciting because of great expectations for a new start. The year behind may have been a swell and successful one, or it may have been full of problems and let-downs. Thus, ushering in a new year is like a brand new slate.

Here are some cool ways you can start the new year right, and maybe even make it the best New Year’s Eve you’ve ever had.

Go Green

How about passing up on the paper cups, and going elegant and classy with wine glasses and shimmering crystals? If you do so, you are making a bold statement that you are going up in the world and plan to make the new year your most successful thus far. Or, you could just buy biodegradable cups and plates which is equally admirable.

Get Away From The Crowd

If you have been always around a lot of people every New Year’s Eve, how about going on a holiday with just your family or best friends? You could take a cruise or drive out to the coast, or just hang out in your house. If any one gets drunk, they can just sleep over.

Prepare a Feast

What about a major cook out. Pull out all the stops and prepare your best dishes. Get your family and friends to contribute their best dishes, and simple have a gastronomic experience all night long. you could even have them over right after breakfast or lunch, and spend the day cheering and eating together, playing games, singing songs, watching old movies, and simply enjoying each others company.

The coolest New Year’s Eve idea is to be with the people you love. Forget about business, problems, and just focus on the most important people in your life. There is nothing else that should matter - not the food, not the drinks, not even the venue.

Tips to Obtain Great New Years Packages

2010-07-04T04:25:00.000-07:00

When you are getting ready to make your New Years plans you want to know that you have all areas covered. By looking for some great New Years packages and book them in advance, you will be guaranteed of a great outing. The problem is that many individuals don't have a clue on how to find these packages and will only locate them at the last minute. This is bad news because when they're gone, they're gone and only the fastest planner gets the best deals.

Prior to starting your search for New Years packages, make sure that you have an idea on how much you want to spend. By knowing how much you want to spend you can avoid spending to much on this one night and will still have money available to do other fun and exciting things throughout the rest of the year.

One tip is to contact the location that you want to go to. Contacting them directly could allow you to find that they are preparing a deal and you could book early. In fact, many hotels don't even tell you about unadvertised specials until you actually call them. By simply calling ahead, you can easily find those deals of a life time that no one else knows about.

Also, check on the internet on an almost daily basis to see if anyone has specials advertised there. You just might discover that some places are going to be opening up new programs everyday. In fact, some deals are so awesome that you will want to book right away whereas with others you may want to "comparison shop.

Something that could help out as well would be to make sure that you read the magazines that are present on the topic. Magazines can make a great informative source for you. They could help you determine where you want to go, how much you would be expected to send, and what type of activities you can embark on when you get there.

If you are planning your New years package with your friends, talk to them about their plans. When you find out what they are doing you might find that they want some company with them. That company could be you and since they already have the plans in place you would know what to do to get the deal as well.

Although you want to sure that your plans get made early, you want to ensure that you have some tips to help you locate New Years packages long before they run out. When you get those tips you can have a great New Years doing the thing that you want to do without having to worry about it being booked.

Great New Year's Eve Deals

2010-07-02T07:04:00.001-07:00

Do you want to have the access to all of the best celebrations this New Years Eve? If this sounds like the best idea you have had in a while you may also want to know that you can do this and get great New Years Eve deals at the same time. The secret is to start now, if you begin planning now and book your trip before the first of August you will not only get the best prices available but you will also not have to worry about the events your want to attend being sold out.

No matter where you want to go or what you want to do this year, booking your trip now will guarantee you will get great New Years Eve deals. It is always best to start your planning by searching the internet for specials in the city you want to visit, and then speak to a travel agent to see what he or she can come up with; using both the web and an agent will ensure you get the best deal available. No matter where you want to go this year getting the best deal while having the time of your life will be the best way to send the old year out with a bang.

Tips for Finding New Years Eve Specials

2010-07-02T07:02:00.001-07:00

Do you want to do something a little different this New Years Eve? If you want to go out with a bang this year then you might be looking for tips on finding New Years Eve specials. Specials are available in every hotspot in the world the key is to find them and book them as early as possible. It is best to start looking for New Years Eve Specials in June or July and booking no later than August first. This will ensure that you not only get the best deals possible, but you will have access to any event or celebration that you are interested in attending.

To start your search it is always best to go online, but book through a travel agent, because he or she will have better access to the packages that are available. Your travel agent may also be able to put together a custom package at a special price, but only if you book your trip well in advance. Finding New Years Eve specials can be very easy if you start your planning early, this way you will be at the front of the line at all of the hottest events.

Las Vegas New Years Eve Packages

2010-07-02T06:59:00.001-07:00

How does New Years Even in Vegas sound? For those of you who have started to pack your sun block there are a few things you need to know if you want to find great Las Vegas New Years Eve Packages and it all starts with research. When it comes to New Years bashes in Vegas the key is to plan and book your tickets as early as humanly possible. Start by searching the internet then talk to your travel agent, but be sure to book now so you will be able to get into all of the hottest celebrations.

Using a travel agent to actually book your trip will allow you to get inside information and better packages then you may find using the internet alone. When it comes to great Las Vegas New Years Eve Packages your travel agent will know the best way to get you into all of the hottest shows and parties the city has to offer. Remember when it comes to celebrating New Years in Vegas you need to have your bid in early so you will not be the one to be left out of the hottest shows and events available during this time of year.

How to Have a Great New Year's Eve in Las Vegas

2010-07-02T06:58:00.000-07:00

When anyone thinks of New Years Eve a party is usually at the top of their list, but what if you could have a great New Years Eve in Las Vegas? What better way is there to ring in the New Year than at the hottest party spot in the country? If you are thinking this is the way to go, then you will need to start planning and booking your tickets now. This city is popular all year round, but when New Years hit it will seem like the whole world is one place.

To make sure you have a great New Years Eve in Las Vegas book your hotel in the middle of all the action, which means one of the mega resorts on the strip. This and your airfare will need to be book as early as possible, not to mention any parties or shows you will want to see. When it comes to Vegas a travel agent is the best way to go, because they usually have the inside track on everything big happening, especially in Las Vegas. Remember to have the best New Years Eve available start booking your trip now not only to save money, but to make sure that you will be in the center of all the action.

What to Do for New Year's Eve

2010-06-23T12:03:00.000-07:00

In the transition from one year to another, we think of celebrating the going year remembering the trails and tribulations and hope for better future in the upcoming year. On New Years Day, people meet and enjoy with closest of friends and family in the silent bond of compassion and love. Arrange a party at home – give presents to children, wishes to your loved ones, prepare delicious cuisines and make merry.

For the fun loving, people can visit pubs, restaurants, and dance your way into New Year. Another way to usher in New Year is to take an adventurous trip or star cruise for exotic locations. During this time, you will get New Year packages at lesser rates or travel agents offer heavy discounts.

For lovers, this time is ideal to spend close to each other or go on a romantic getaway. For those with charitable inclination can visit charity institutions and spend their day among the orphans or old retired people, for them even a glitter oh happiness is like sunshine for them. Buy new clothes, food, toys for them and gift them individually.

Spread happiness all around and surely you will get your pound of pie some day or the other with extra happiness!
Photo:Salvatore Vuono

Tips for Choosing a New Year's Eve Cruise

2010-06-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

When choosing a New Years Eve cruise there is a lot of things one must take into consideration, for example, where does the cruise depart from, where do you want to go, and what is the cruise ship company. For example most cruise ships that service in the Atlantic Ocean are based out of Miami Fl, since it is right in the middle of the Atlantic. Now if you wish to visit Alaska, Hawaii or Western Mexico it would be convenient on price and time to take a cruise who works out of Southern California. Some of the major cruise lines are Carnival Cruise Lines, Norwegian Cruise Lines and Royal Caribbean Cruise Lines. Port of Miami is a hub and home to one of the largest tourist destinations in the world, hub to major cruise companies like Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, and Carnival Cruise Lines port of Miami Serves most of the Caribbean and Mexico including Cancun. Your best choice for a New Years Eve cruise will be Miami fl, because in the winter it is highly uncomfortable to travel to Alaska and Hawaii and California are not as warm as the Caribbean.

It is highly recommended that for a New Years Eve trip you visit any of the beautiful elegant islands in the Caribbean which include Bahamas, Puerto Rico, Jamaica and all of the U. S Virgin Islands. Another magnificent thing about taking a cruise to the Caribbean is that your main port would be in Miami Fl, giving you the opportunity to stay a couple of days in Miami if wished. The Caribbean is known for its sandy white beaches but also for remaining above 80 degrees during the winter. A Cruise to the Caribbean would be the perfect winter break vacation.

Always check prices before booking cruise ships and if available you are best of leaving on a Monday or Tuesday, some time in between the week, this can help you save a lot of weekend trip extra fees. You will be sure to enjoy any cruise vacation, since now a day cruises have bars, pools, clubs and many other amenities. Going to the Caribbean on New Year’s Eve on a cruise is a must have vacation! Bon Voyage!

Cool Things to Do on New Years Eve

2010-06-20T04:17:00.000-07:00

New Years Eve is the time for preparing ways to welcome the coming year with heartfelt wishes for family and friends. There are loads of things to do on New Years Eve such as

- For the shopping enthusiast - shopping and buy gifts for your spouse, children, parents, colleagues, and friends. Retailers often offer goods at discounted prices as well.

- For the uninhibited - attend parties or simply go clubbing. Another option is to visit pubs with friends and let your hair down at the stroke of midnight.

- For professionals - avoid work and go somewhere fun! Book a cruise, a holiday tour, adventure trips, or hotel getaways are preferred options.

- For the traditional and homely types - invite your family and friends for a get together at home. Start cooking favorite New Year dishes from morning, spend the day gossiping, exchanging gifts, and user in New Year over a glass of wine at midnight.

- For the spiritual - visit nearest Church and sit there through choir songs, prayers, and priest sermons. Try to grapple with the meaning of life and pray that New Year brings loads of happiness!
Photo:Francesco Marino

Tips to Get Best New Years Eve Specials

2010-06-19T08:32:00.001-07:00

If you’re trying to think of something creative to do for New Years Eve, you don’t have to visit the same old parties and celebrate in the same ways. In fact, who says you even have to stay home for New Years Eve? With New Years Eve specials, you can visit numerous places and have a great time, without spending an arm and a leg to do it. Below, we’ll discuss important tips for getting the best New Years Eve specials.

Start Shopping Around Early

One of the tricks to getting a great New Years Eve special is starting early. You’re more likely to get a great price early, when not so many people are looking for specials. Start looking for a great deal in October or November. This will allow you to book your special early and save a lot of money. There are many different websites that will allow you to search for specials that suit you specifically. Spend some time thinking about where you’d like to visit or a place you’ve always wanted to go, and then start shopping early to get the best deal.

Ask For a Discount

Don’t be afraid to ask for a discount. Whether you’re booking a hotel room or renting a car for your visit to another part of the country, most companies are more than willing to give you a discount. Inquire as to whether any discounts are available. Another thing you can do is look on the internet for coupons or codes that will allow you to save money. Many companies will also give you a discount for booking their services on the internet, so be sure to check this out.

Package Deals

When you’re booking a hotel room, inquire as to whether they work with other companies for referral discounts. For instance, they may have a preferred car rental company or local restaurant that you can use to save money. Many companies work together like this and it’s a great way to save money and get a super New Years Eve special.

Using the methods above, you can score a New Years Eve special that will ensure a great time for the beginning of a brand new year.

What to Do on New Year's Eve

2010-06-18T03:46:00.001-07:00

The day/night before New Years is New Years Eve. The New Years celebration is an extension of the fun and frolic beginning with Christmas and continuing up to Eve. Most of the offices remain closed so it is an ideal time to go for a vacation or a short trip to your family home.

Some offices do remain working but the mood of the time is to party and party hard! For shopping lovers, catch up on discount deals and retail sales! Buy the gown you so wanted or the new China dinner package at sales price. Due to discounted sales, people most spend New Year Eve shopping gifts and coupons for family, friends, and colleagues.
Night time remains reserved for close family bonding time or a couple nights out. In Western countries, new Years are a time for celebration. On 31^st night, one should see the large number of people flocking in around Time Square in New York! The spectacle is
breathtaking.

Every country in the world celebrate the coming year in their own way – while Sydney is famous for its fireworks, Japan has its red dragons, and the prayers at Vatican.
The idea is to forego past miseries and welcome the New Year wholeheartedly. Send your best wishes to everyone you know.

Tips for Choosing New Years' Eve Packages

2010-06-18T03:45:00.000-07:00

From November onwards, travel agents get busy with preparing and offering New Year deal packages to prospective consumers. They design the deals in such a way to attract customers as this is the time to earn maximum profits. However one should consider the pros and cons of packages before finalizing them. Here are some pointers:

- Never select packages without enquiring what all benefits you will be getting. Some travel agents try to put up an exterior show and highlight only the best aspects of a deal. You, on the other hand, you should ask about hidden charges, what deals does the package covers, and so on. If you are visiting a foreign destination, it is apt to ask whether the deal with cover air ticket costs, taxes, visa charges, and others.

- Compare packages. Many times dealers offer different packages for the same destination. Ask what are the advantages and disadvantages of choosing one package over the other.

- Does the package cover travel insurance? Travel insurance is the latest fad. After all the security and safety of the passengers should be of utmost importance.

Book your New Year's Eve travel package weeks in advance as it is problematic to receive last moment reservations anyway.
Photo:jscreationzs

Top New Year's Resolutions

2010-06-18T03:43:00.003-07:00

Everybody makes New Year resolutions but there are only a handful of people who actually bother to fulfill the resolutions. Within a month into New Year, all the promises are forgotten and once again life travels on the known path. For the brave hearted, here are some New Year resolutions to take:

- Lose weight! Doesn’t it remind you of Bridget Jones diary? Yes, with rising obesity levels, losing weight is one practical resolution.

- To bring career on track! Well, for starters, you could try making your life more professional and career oriented by getting the right job that offers stability.

- Find Love! Ironically love can’t be found, love finds you. But still, for many the idea of leading a lonely life is irksome and so they make resolution to find love.

- Become a parent! Yes, you read right! A woman I knew took the resolution to become a mother and I am sure there are more such women in the world.

- Save Nature! For the philanthropist and nature lover in you, you could actually do your bit in saving our mother nature by using biodegradable products, organic fabrics, planting trees, and thus erase your carbon footprint.

Tips for Throwing a New Year's Eve Party

2010-05-20T15:49:00.000-07:00

Throwing a New Year’s party can be a lot of hard work, without adding a tight budget to the mix. You might ask yourself, 'Why do I throw these parties every year.' After the ball has finally dropped, you find yourself bringing in the New Year completely broke, and you'll likely spend the rest of the year hearing about how great your party was while you can only vaguely remember cooking enough food to feed all the animals of the ark! I needn't remind you of your absence during the dramatic ‘scenes’ that usually occur when people get together on a holiday dedicated to drinking. There goes your gossip for the next revolution of the Earth! Well, not to worry. There’s a way that you can have your cake and eat it too! The first thing you’ll want to focus on is the menu. You’ll want to serve some respectable ‘bites’ while keeping your credit card from maxing out.

Try adding a fresh new twist to some of the old classics. Styleathome.com has a great recipe for curried devil eggs that won’t set you back much, will taste delicious, and can be prepared well in advance. Jamie Oliver also has an awesome new look for the standby crudité platter. For more Ideas, visit websites like FoodNetwork.com or About.com’s page on entertaining. Think outside of the proverbial box, and don’t stop until you find what you’re looking for. The second thing that can really affect your budget: décor. The biggest and greatest way you can help your wallet here is to stop by your local thrift shops. Find the home décor section and buy all the cheap used candles you can find, the fact that they’re already half burnt will make your party look like its been going on for so many great hours. You could also use holiday foil wrapping paper to cover a few of your picture frames.

Tying a nice black or grey ribbon around a silver-foil background will bring some uniformity to your décor. For the music just grab a few of your old CD’s and burn a mix that’ll go long into the night. Last but certainly not the least of these important matters, the drinks. You should have one signature ‘house’ drink that you keep a HUGE pitcher of in the fridge. No doubt some of your guest will bring wine and beer and such, so other than that, make sure you have a few bottles of mixing alcohol around for those people who really want to take the party up a notch. Don’t forget, the more they drink, the more gossip for your neighborhood newsletter. Be sure to keep all this in mind when you throw your next big New Years Party on a budget and you’ll be good to go.

Resources: Jamie Oliver’s Crudité Platter http://www.jamieoliver.com/recipes/vegetarian-recipes/cool-crudite-veggies-with-a-minted-pea-a Curried Devil Eggs (http://www.styleathome.com/food-and-entertaining/recipes/recipe-curried-deviled-eggs/a/30178).
Photo: dan

Advice for Throwing a Cheap New Year Eve's Party

2010-04-20T14:55:00.000-07:00

One great way to have a cheap New Year's Eve party is to make it a potluck. Since the food will cost the most, everyone should bring a unique dish. Although most people will go out and buy something to bring anyway, it reduces the food cost to a bare minimum. The most you will have to supply are the cups, plates, and silverware which should cost $15 at the most from the dollar store. A nice centerpiece to have would be a glass bowl filled with sliced fruit or a punch bowl, or course "spiked" with your favorite alcohol to make things more fun but make sure everyone is above the age of 21.

Another great alternative to counting down would be to cut off the lights, and have everyone write a list of what they do not want to bring into the New Year. After they have done so, go outside and have a huge controlled fire to burn those. This should be very fun because when people have had alcohol and they see fire, it is likely that they will seeing a shooting star (or the illusion of one). The key to throwing a cheap New Year's eve party is to concentrate on your guests, the upcoming new year and the fun that you are having. After all, people will not remember the fancy food you had, they will remember how great of a time they had and how they felt bringing in the new year with precious loved ones.

A couple of things for a cheap new Years party is to have a potluck so food costs are minimized. You can also have play some fun games and some music playing. The music should be very easily accessible and free since everyone has some nice songs on their computer and if not you can download some. Then, at the time of countdown, you can have a bonfire which will top of the night. You can also buy some noisemakers and hats from party city from around a dollar each of the dollar aisle.

Since 2010 is the year of the tiger, you can ask that people dress as tigers which will enhance the mood and the environment. People are naturally creative so giving them some room to have fun and make something fun will make your cheap new Years party the most talked about of the New Year.

How to Dine Out Inexpensively New Years Eve or Other Occasions

2008-12-31T12:35:00.000-08:00

It is possible to dine out to celebrate New Years or other special events without breaking the bank. You and your guests will have a wonderful time and you want feel guilty about spending money that you should not spend. We have a few suggestions that may help you with a dining out plan that you can refer to on New Years or at any time.

Take a look at your budget and decide how much you can afford to spend for this meal. This is a very important task because once you make this decision; you need to stay within the guideline that you choose. In other words, if you feel that you will spend $100.00 then that is what you will spend however less is acceptable. You are in charge of this celebration and the finances.

Go on line or make a few calls as to the prices of the meals at restaurants of your choice. There are also menus on line as well as reviews from clients that you can utilize to make a logical decision. You can also look in the paper for specials that are available for dining.

Choose the restaurant, the date that this event will happen and make a reservation for the number of people that will be attending this get together. Now you know how much you are spending, where you’re going and when the party will take place.

You still have work to do to save cash and have big fun. You may want to have a wine sip either before or after the dinner at your home. This saves cash and adds warmth to the occasion. You can purchase a couple bottles of wine, nonalcoholic drinks a bag of chips and you’re on and your pals will love it. Since you’re on budget this takes a bit from the stash of money that was allocated for the meal but will save in the long run because you can be clear with your guests that lunch or dinner is at the restaurant and alcoholic beverages are at your home.

Not drinking alcoholic beverages in restaurants is a big savings. As a matter of fact the check for alcoholic beverages in a lot of cases exceeds the amount of cash spent for the food. If you think that the guests will still order drinks on you it’s ok to tell the wait staff that you’re responsible for the food and soft stuff the guest’s are responsible for their own alcohol. According to my sources this is an acceptable practice and staff people are trained on how to give the patrons this information without being offensive. Another option for drinks may be you bring a bottle. Some restaurants allow this practice for a fee.

Now you have your budget and a plan for a wonderful celebration with your family and or friends. You can have a ball and keep cash in your pocket. Have a Great time! Happy Celebration!

5 Fun things to Do on New Years Eve

2008-12-30T05:02:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve is a great time for celebration. It is a time to be together with your loved ones and start of the new year with a bang. There are many options that you can choose to spend your holiday, depending on what you find appealing to you.

1. Host a New Years Eve party. There is nothing more fun than having a bunch of friends and family over for a party. You will want to plan this well in advance so that more people will come to your party. A lot of people have parties over the New Year so the earlier you send out the invites, the better the turnout will be.

You will also need to plan for your party. Set a guest list and decide what kind of food and entertainment you will have. If you are planning a party with all adults, you can choose if you would like to serve alcohol. Remember not to let your friends and family to drink and drive, play it safe!

2. Sit at home with loved ones and watch the ball drop. It can be a really cold evening, and sometimes it is best to cuddle up with a blanket and watch the festivities on television. Pop some popcorn and celebrate safely from the comfort of your own home.

3. Attend a New Years Eve party. A lot of your friends may be having festivities at their own homes. If you are invited to a New Years Eve party, go! Play it safe and don’t drink and drive, but have fun. It’s always fun to ring in the new year with the ones you loved.

4. Go on a vacation. A lot of popular attractions have special events around the holidays. Check to see if your favorite destination has anything going on around New Years and go away for the holiday.

5. Visit a popular bar or nightclub. If you want to go out but stay in your local area, you can go to a bar or nightclub in the area. You don’t have to travel a great distance to have a good time. Just remember to have a sober cab so you can get home safely when you are ready to leave.

There are a lot of options for you to choose from when you are planning your New Years Eve. All you need to choose is who you want to spend it with, and what you want to do.

Tips on Planning a New Years Eve Party

2008-12-29T04:43:00.000-08:00

New Years is a great time for celebration. It is a lot of fun to ring in the New Year with your loved ones, and start the new year off with a bang. With a little time and preparation, you can plan a New Years Eve party for your friends and family to celebrate together.

If you want to plan a New Years Eve party, you already obviously picked a date for the occasion. You will also want to select a location to have your party. Most people choose to have their party at their home, but if you are wanting to have a large amount of people, you may opt to rent a hall or party room. Keep in minding that renting a location could become quite costly on a holiday.

Create a guest list of people you would like to invite to your New Years Eve party. Since the party will be on a holiday, you will want to invite your guests earlier than later so that more people attend. A lot of people like to have parties on New Years Eve, and if you invite your guests late, not many people will show up.

Decide on a menu of food and beverages for your party. Since your guests will probably be at your party late, you will want to make sure you feed them. You will also want to consider if you want alcohol at your party. If everyone at your party will be of legal age, it is ok, within limits. If there is a chance of any kids attending your party, keep it away to stay out of potential problems.

Call the people you have invited to see if they are planning on attending. This will give you an indication of how much food to prepare, as well as plan any activities you may want to have during the party. This is especially important to do if the people you invite tend to never R.S.V.P.

Make sure that you have plenty of places for people to sleep if they need to stay longer than expected. Do not let people drink and drive home, it’s just not safe. Even when you think they may be ok, you never know how their judgment will be, so keep them there to sober up.

There can be a lot of work involved in planning a New Years Eve party, but it also can be a lot of fun if you like to entertain. It is a great way to get together with the ones you love, and start the new year off with a bang.

New Years Eve Ideas for Couples

2008-12-29T04:41:00.000-08:00

New Years Eve is a great holiday to celebrate as a couple. There is nothing better than ringing in the new year with someone you love. There can be so many things to choose from for activities that it can be quite a difficult decision to make. Here are some ideas of things that you can do as a couple on New Years Eve.

Check to see if any of your mutual friends are having a New Years Eve Party. This is a great place to stay safe and have a great time. It is also a way to see your loved ones who you may not see often. Remember to stay safe and always have a sober cab if you are planning on drinking. Even though you may feel ok, it still will not be safe.

Take a quick trip or a romantic getaway for the holiday. A lot of popular attractions tend to have festivities going on around the holidays, and it is a great way to ring in the new year. If you have the money for a last minute vacation, this is the way to go. Check availability right away when you decide to leave town as things may book up quicker because of the holiday.

Plan a party with a few special friends or family members. This is also another great way to ring in the new year. Invite people early as a lot of people tend to have parties for the New Year, and you want to make sure that the people you invite are able to attend. You will want to make sure that you have food for your guests as well as a few activities if you are one to plan the whole evening.

Stay inside the comforts of your own home and have a private evening at home. It can be quite romantic to cuddle up with a blanket and popcorn and watch the ball drop at Times Square on television. You can talk about plans and goals for the New Year, and the best part about it is that you do not even need to leave the home. It is also quite inexpensive!

There are many options for couples to do on New Years Eve, but it all depends on what things you two enjoy doing. Talk to your significant other about things they would enjoy doing, and decide from there. No matter what you decide to do, remember that it only matters that you two are together to ring in the New Year in happiness.

Tips for Planning a New Years Cruise

2008-12-27T12:26:00.000-08:00

Cruises can be a lot of fun, and it is a different way to vacation. Planning a vacation over a holiday, such as New Year’s can be a great experience and a fun getaway from the holiday. What a fun way to ring in the new year than on a cruise ship.

Start planning early. Because of the holiday season and a lot of people like to plan vacations during this time of year, it is best to book your cruise well in advance. You will have a lot more choices as to dates and rooms when you book earlier than later.

Decide where you want to go. Each cruise has a different path and a different destination. You can cruise just about anywhere, and you have to decide what you would like to see and do. Research the internet to see different itineraries to make a decision.

Pick a style of cruise. There are many different styles of cruises. There are some for adults only, and there are family cruises. There are also cruises which just go out to sea, as well as ones with many different ports. You need to decide which cruise fits your lifestyle best and meets the needs of your vacation.

Check for cruise deals. If you have the time to meet with a travel agent or spend some time searching the internet for deals, you can save yourself a lot of money. If you are a last minute shopper and are not too picky on your cruise, you can save a lot of money because they want to fill the ship.

Understand onboard rules and regulations. Especially with the holidays, they may have certain rules and regulations that you will need to abide to. Check to see what they are, and if they are any different because of the holidays. They may also have special events because of the holiday, and you will want to know if there is any differences.

You can have a lot of fun on a cruise over the New Year holiday. It is a great way to ring in the New Year and have fun. Celebrating the new year with friends and family at sea is a priceless moment, which you can make your dream a reality if you know how to plan ahead.

Photo: Bernie Condon

New Years Dinner at Home

2008-12-26T09:06:00.000-08:00

While many people will contemplate going out on New Years and eating out as they celebrate new starts and fresh beginnings. However, there are many perfectly wonderful ways to have New Years dinner at home. If you plan on cooking for your loved ones this New Year’s day, there are some really great dishes. Here are some different ideas for delicious New Years Dinner at home –

The Traditional Ham and Black Eyed Peas

This menu is a delicious one and is a favorite among many Americans. Having black-eyed peas and cabbage on New Year’s Day is said to bring you fortune and luck. So, here’s a great menu featuring those lucky foods for New Year’s.

Roasted Ham with Brown Sugar Glaze (a great way to use the leftover Christmas ham)
Black-Eyed Peas cooked with the Ham Bone
Steamed Cabbage and Carrots
Cornbread and Butter
Squash Casserole
Wine or Other Dinner Beverage

This is a delicious dinner that will please anyone eating with you on the New Year. You can substitute any of the things above with other leftovers from Christmas – which will eliminate waste! What a great way to start off a new year.

No-Cook New Years Dinner at Home

While most people are still recuperating from Christmas and trying to get their homes in order after receiving all those gifts, a lot of people don’t want to cook a large dinner for New Years. A no-cook New Years dinner at home is a great way to celebrate. Here’s a menu that is completely cook-free!

Ham and Turkey Finger Sandwiches
Broccoli, Cauliflower, Carrots and Celery with Dips of Your Choice
Banana Pudding
Fresh Fruit Salad
Crackers with a Variety of Cheeses
Ice cream Sundaes

With this New Year’s Dinner – you and your guests can enjoy delicious foods without you having to cook all day! It’s a great way to use the leftovers from Christmas and will leave you more time to socialize.

There are some wonderful ideas for New Years dinner at home – whether it’s traditional or the no-cook kind! Enjoy your New Year and surround yourself with delicious food, good friends and the people you love. Happy New Year!

New Years Eve Packages

2008-12-26T08:47:00.000-08:00

If you’re searching for a brand new way to bring in the New Year, why not go with a cruise? There are some great New Years Eve packages available which will allow you to have an exciting, fun time as you welcome 2009!

Nautical Cruise Lines Package

With the Nautical Cruise Lines New Years Eve packages, you can have a wonderful time bringing in the New Year if you’re around Long Island. You jump aboard the 160’ Mega Yacht Nautical Empress and enjoy staff dressed in royal nautical attire – from 5 star maître’d to service staff and much more. You’ll enjoy hors d’oeuvres, champagne, cocktail hour and an elegant sit down dinner. There will be a champagne toast at midnight and dancing into the early morning hours! What a great way to bring in the New Year! The cost of this package - $97.99 and it lasts from 9pm to 1am.

Odyssey New Years Eve Packages from Boston

Delicious hors d’oeuvres and chocolate fountain desserts, brought to you by butlers and displayed in the celebration areas. You’ll get New Years Eve hats and horns to welcome 2009 and there will be dancing and champagne as well. There will be live entertainment and an exciting New Years Eve firework display as long as the weather permits. You also get your choice of an appetizer and entrée before the real celebration begins. This is one of the greatest New Years Eve packages and you’re sure to enjoy it. The cost of this one - $149.99 per person and it lasts from 9pm to 1am.

FantaSea Yacht Charters Houston New Years Eve Package

If you’re a bit further south and would love to enjoy a New Years Eve cruise package, try the FantaSea Yacht. Guests will not only enjoy beer and wine until the party is over – but there will be plenty of entertainment and fun party favors. This package includes a night’s stay for two at the South Shore Harbor restaurant and a New Years morning breakfast for two at the Paradise Reef Restaurant. This is sure to be great fun and a nice way to bring in the New Year. The cost of this package is $449 per couple and boarding starts at 9pm.

New Years Eve Ideas

2008-12-26T08:44:00.000-08:00

Well, Christmas has passed us by once again – and now that we are swearing off food for the next few days and recuperating – New Years Eve is staring us right in the face! A brand new year is coming; the chance to wipe the slate clean and start over with new goals and new plans. So, what will you be doing for your New Years Eve? Here are a few great ideas for bringing in the New Year.

People say that what you’re doing on New Years Eve is a reflection of what your year will be filled with. To that, I say – surround yourself with people you truly love, enjoy delicious food and have a great time! You might start with a few traditions from around the world…

In Japan, people throw parties to say goodbye to the previous year – wishing away all of the problems and grief from the previous year and bringing in joy, happiness and wealth in the new one. Grudges may be dropped as individuals get a new start. Homes are thoroughly cleaned and individuals prepare for a brand new year. Don’t feel like cleaning? In Spain, the tradition is to eat 12 grapes at midnight on New Years Eve to ensure that the upcoming 12 months are happy and full of fortune.

Another great idea is to follow the traditions held in the Netherlands – they put the ‘old year’ out with a bang. Burning Christmas trees in bonfires and setting fireworks – individuals here say farewell to the previous year by wishing away the bad and welcome the New Year with hopes of greatness. Watch the dropping of the ball in Times Square to enjoy our American tradition and don’t forget to plant a kiss on the lips of the person you love at midnight!

Regardless of your New Years Eve ideas, make it a fun and safe one – and party like it’s…well, 2008!

Photo: Simon Howden