New Year's Eve: it's time to start planning

Who’s invited to New Year’s Eve?

The top priority for most of us is who we’re with as the year draws to a close. For some, a small and intimate gathering is ideal, especially if the Christmas season has been hectic, while others prefer an elaborate New Year’s Eve soirée with an extensive guest list. Remember, with larger parties, it’s even more important to organise and book early, as you want to make sure you have your pick of luxury venues and ensure there’s space for everyone to clink their glasses when the clock strikes 12.

Stay in, or head out?

The big decision is whether you’d like an informal, home-based get-together or to head out to an organised event. Staying at home is sure to be quieter, but for some it’s the ultimate luxury. If you’re closing out the year at your country retreat, for instance, you can cosy up around an outdoor fireplace and still enjoy some fireworks with your very own display in your garden.

If you prefer too be closer to the action, you could book a glamorous city spot and watch the midnight fireworks displays from there – perhaps a penthouse suite overlooking Prospect Park in New York City or a luxury apartment with views of the London Eye. You’ll then be able to enjoy the show from your own private perch above the crowds.

For larger guest lists, booking out an events space and hiring an events coordinator can be an ideal way to eliminate some of the stress of planning your get-together. For a memorable New Year’s Eve, you could opt for a more unusual venue, like a private boat on the Seine in Paris. Club nights are another option – many dance-music venues have some of their best DJ line-ups on 31st December each year. Other cities are known for their street parties, like Berlin’s so-called Party Mile around the Brandenburg Gate and Vienna’s Silvesterpfad (New Year’s Eve Trail) in the heart of the city. In Vienna, you can then welcome the year in style by joining the crowds outside the Rathaus for the Vienna Philharmonic’s famous New Year’s Day concert.

...Or a bit of both?

There’s also the middle-ground possibility that many may forget: leaving the city. Perhaps you could spend a few days in your second home – you could have a bonfire and sing-along on the beach at your coastal villa or go for an exciting skiing break to your chalet in the Alps. Wellness weekends are also popular, like yoga retreats or spa-and-ski weekends at luxurious hotels in Switzerland or Canada. By spending a few nights in a different setting, you’re bound to return to your regular home refreshed and renewed.

Once you’ve pinned down the who, where and what of your New Year’s Eve party, you can get focused on the finishing touches: selecting your holiday decorations and a mouthwatering menu for the last – and first – event of the year.