Three (Two, One!) Steps = A Perfect New Year’s Party

CELEBRATIONS | by ALEXANDRA SMITH

THERE’S ALWAYS A CERTAIN PRESSURE TO MAKE NEW YEAR’S EVE SPECTACULAR. Champagne, confetti, killer cocktail dress ― it’s as if one night sets the tone for the rest of the year (which makes the prospect of Dick Clark and Doritos all the more depressing).

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Hosting a New Year’s party at least ensures you won’t be stuck on the couch, but then the pressure’s on to fulfill everyone else’s New Year’s fantasies. Fear not. The following tips will guide you smoothly into 2010.

• Playlist: There are a few indisputables: “Auld Lang Syne”, obviously, plus a Sinatra tune or two. Keep the rest of the soundtrack unexpected with a mix of classics, such as Stevie Wonder or Ella Fitzgerald, and contemporary ― think Phoenix or Rihanna ― then throw in a few obscure songs.  I once heard Aha’s “Take on Me” close to midnight and the whole room erupted.
• Party Favors: The thing about New Year’s party favors is they’re used only during that three-minute window around midnight. So while you do need to stock up on the confetti and noisemakers, invest in a few giveaways that’ll last all night ― or even all year ― like desk calendars or personalized champagne glasses.
• Punch: Champagne’s a given; fruit punch is old hat. Eggnog’s a little more interesting, but to truly start the party, whip up some sweet, creamy Brandy Alexanders. Try this recipe, from drinkmixer.com.

1 ½ oz Brandy
1 ounce Dark Crème de Cacao
1 ounce half-and-half

Shake, strain, and garnish with nutmeg. Happy New Year!