Think back to the last time you had an amazing New Year's Eve. A lot of people, myself included, can’t even remember some of their crazy New Year's Eve nights and mornings. But it’s okay because your friends, family, coworkers, and random people will fill you in on all of the things you missed, including embarrassing or inappropriate things you did. It’s going to be different this year, though! Follow these tips, and you will be on the path to have a fantastic New Years' Eve to rocket you off into the new year. Cheers!
1. Lower your expectations.
This is a huge reason why people either love or hate New Years' Eve. People often have this fantasy of a huge glamorous party with beautiful people decked out in sequins, eating awesome food, drinking champagne, dancing to [insert ideal music here], and getting their steamy kiss when the clock hits midnight. Going out with this mindset will set you up for disappointment.
2. Eat real food and drink water throughout the day.
If you plan on drinking, make sure you eat and drink water throughout the day. You’re probably thinking, “Well duh,” but, the number of times I’ve been to parties and seen people black out drunk and just hear them slur, “Man, I should’ve eaten before drinking tonight,” my first thought as well is, “Well, duh.” No, Pop-Tarts and some M&M's doesn't count as a meal.
3. Don't try to out-glitter everyone.
Sequins are totally appropriate for New Year's Eve, but it starts to get a little ridiculous after a while. Sequin top? Yes, please! Sequin dress? Sure! Glitter makeup? Okay! Glitter eyebrows? Okay... Glitter armpits? Stop.
4. Choose your destination wisely.
Those sparkly, glamorous parties that you think of when you think “New Years' Eve” do exist, but they will cost you unless you know Jay Gatsby. Tickets to those events can cost at least $175. Having a small gathering with friends sounds pretty ideal to me. All you need are some snacks, some champagne, and sparklers!
5. Commit to your destination.
It doesn’t matter if your crazy ex shows up, your potential midnight kiss left the party, or you are just bored, you should try to stay where you are if you can. Traffic is going to be hell, unfortunately there probably are going to be drunk drivers (you are not going to be one of them), and trying to get into another bar is going to take a million years.
6. Balance your drinking.
New Year's Eve is a time for celebration -- you made it through a whole year and you deserve to get your drink on. Just pace yourself. You know you are going to be out late, and you have all night to drink. No need to be slamming back shots of tequila at 8 p.m. I know all of you are rolling your eyes at this piece of advice, but try it and you'll thank yourself later.
7. Don't feel pressured to drink.
One of the defining characteristics of New Year's Eve other than sparkles is drinking, but that doesn't mean you have to do it. If you still want to walk around with a champagne flute because you want to feel fancy, drink sparkling cider!
8. Don't ask, don't tell.
New Year's resolutions seem like an appropriate topic to discuss since it is New Year's Eve, but that subject can go south pretty quickly. Some people don't want to share, some people are fine with sharing very personal resolutions, some people have resolutions that don't make any sense at all, and some people just won't stop talking. And if people ask about yours, just say you haven't made any.
9. Don't be naked.
Alcohol is telling you it's a good idea, but it's not. Even though it is tempting to run around with balloons over your boobs, save it for after your possible midnight kiss.
10. Don't stress over the midnight kiss (or lack thereof).
“It’s the first kiss of the new year!” OK, well, my first kiss of the new year doesn’t have to be at midnight on January 1. It can be in March for all I care. “It’s bad luck for single people if they don’t kiss someone at midnight!” Mmmkay. Don’t let the midnight kiss stress you out or make you sad. If you happen to end up with a midnight kiss, then good for you! But no stress allowed. Bad.
This cannot be stressed enough. Secure a designated driver, book a hotel room that’s within walking distance of your event, or spend the night at your friend’s house. One year, AAA was offering rides, so check into that. Uber and cab companies are going to be swamped, so plan ahead. A quick Google search will show you all sorts of designated driving services that will get you to and from your destination safely.
12. Have a breakfast or brunch plan.
Have a plan for breakfast or make sure there is food in the house, but try to avoid making brunch or breakfast reservations. It sounds like a good idea now, but hungover you will hate sober you for making time-sensitive plans. If you are meeting with friends, decide beforehand where you are going to meet and decide on a general time, but know that the time is not set in stone. If you are staying in, have the kitchen stocked for New Years' Day breakfast.
Have a Happy New Year!
