New Year’s Eve is, in theory, the height of the party calendar - the ultimate annual celebration of a whole year culminated into one joyous and reflective occasion, paving the way for good fate in the year to come.
However, although we pin a lot of expectation on NYE (mistake number one), the reality is alas often disappointing. Firstly, everywhere is twice as busy and everything is twice as expensive, so the evening spares no mercy for the unplanned and the underprepared. With friends sometimes scattered all over the globe it seems impossible to round-up everyone you love in one place, so you don't plan properly and decide to 'just see what happens', hoping for a fortuitous evening regardless (mistake number two). When the night rolls around you find yourself at some weird party with people you don't really know/like, or in some horrendously busy pub or bar with queues shuffling out of the door, with no room to even prop up an elbow anyway. What ensues is a grumpy wander around the streets in search of somewhere you can huddle for the countdown, or worse, meandering through the drunken crowds in central London with freezing fingertips, grumbling to yourself that you don't even like fireworks. All to set straight off home as soon as the clock strikes midnight and once again coming to the prevailing annual conclusion: 'I should have just stayed in.'
Letting another NYE unfold in this way is so 2016. (Can we use the year as an adjective?) The key is commit to one binding plan. No 'maybe we'll go there' and 'end up there'. Whatever it is make sure it's unwavering. Here are some ideas of how to spend your New Year's countdown 2016, and how to not just survive it but enjoy it (revolutionary, I know).
1. Host NYE
You shouldn't feel obliged to go out on NYE, nor should you feel the need to be surrounded by 50 of your closest acquaintances. A handful of your nearest and dearest in your living room or kitchen will suffice. Decide whether you'll host a dinner party, game night, slumber party, or even a telly evening. I mean, Jools Holland's Hootenanny is on...
Stock up the fridge with treats and drinks to last all night long (get your guests to bring something too. Chip and dip will do nicely), and jazz the place up with lights, candles, textiles, and music (Hygge: NYE edition. Dress up to the nines in that New Years Eve dress or, if the occasion calls for it, get matching silk pyjama sets with your friends to stay feeling fancy and festive without the Bridget Jones's Diary 'All By Myself' feels.
2. Book An NYE Package In London
London is buzzing at NYE; aglow with fireworks and overflowing with parties. To ensure NYE in London is a success, you must plan and prep every detail: that means travel, accommodation, event tickets, the works. These package deals will simplify your night as well as satisfy your NYE needs.
NYE at Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
Inspired by the lights and sounds of 1970s New York, NYE at the Throwback Studio 54 party promises to be brimming with disco fever. You can also book tickets to the Smokey Tails 'Buffet and Boogie' before the evening NYE extravaganza, which includes a 3-course meal plus a drink.
NYE at Queen of Hoxton
Queen of Hoxton are offering NYE Viking Feasting on their rooftop, where you can get a main or a dessert from their Sky Halla feasting menu, a welcome cocktail from their rooftop menu and all-night entry to the venue's party. As the rooftop doesn't take bookings this is the only way to guarantee you'll get a table with rooftop views, and what a night too.
NYE at SUSHISAMBA
If you love SUSHISAMBA why not reserve an NYE package deal where you can get cocktails, exclusive dining, and entertainment from The Rockets, DJs, and samba dancers.
3. Book A NYE Getaway
For something different, pack up your group of friends or your significant other and book a getaway over NYE. Splash out on a long-haul trip to see the fireworks at the V & A Waterfront in Cape Town or the Victoria Harbour fireworks in Sydney, or even just rent an Airbnb in the British countryside and host your own NYE spectacular (see #1).
4. Undergo A 2016 Ritual Detox
If you're all about shedding the past to make way for the future, you should consider bidding 2016 farewell in a detoxifying ceremonious way - pin-pointing the pits and peaks of the year just passed, and setting goals and new year resolutions for 2017. This can be done solitary or with friends (see #1, again).
4. Skip NYE Altogether
If you feel New Year's Eve is not worth the hype or the hassle, then skip it altogether and save your pennies. Treat it like another self-indulgant night in and ignore it completely You'll wake up feeling refreshed and bright-eyed, ready for the new year.
Have a happy new year!