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!
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
5 Fun things to Do on New Years Eve
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.
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.
Monday, December 29, 2008
Tips on Planning a New Years Eve Party
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.
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
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.
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.
Saturday, December 27, 2008
Tips for Planning a New Years Cruise
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
Friday, December 26, 2008
New Years Dinner at Home
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!
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
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.
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
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
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