Dan's Papers - December 21, 2007 - NYE Survivial Guide 2008

"What are you doing for New Year's Eve?" This is a tireless question going round and round on the East End this time of the year. And don't let anyone tell you that the Hamptons is only good for tiki-torch lit beach parties or celebrity polo matches with Donald Trump. The Hamptons have some of the best New Year's Eve bashes second to New York City, minus the amateur's (Times Square) hell and the hassle of trying to hail a taxi from the Upper West to Lower East Side to get your groove on.

New Year's Eve is all about starting new with an optimistic hope for better days to come. So whether you feel like you are gonna ditch the bar scene this year and take a seat on the couch with a few friends, or if you've decided that you can break those bad habits post ball-drop night, there is one thing that is an absolute must - looking good. When is there a better time to unwrap a new outfit and a new you in the midst of the sales and holiday bonanzas than right now? Wherever you find yourself this New Year's Eve, here is a survival guide for bringing in 2008 at the assorted parties taking place from Manhattan to Montauk.

House Party - The first thing you should know about house parties is that if it's not your place, you should bring a housewarming gift. Bring something simple like a bottle of wine or dessert (check the number of guests attending to make sure you bring enough). In this situation you can even make a playlist of fun, festive songs for your iPod ("Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns,"Party Like It's 1999" by Prince and "Staying Alive" by the Bee Gee's, for example). Depending on how well you know the host, don't be afraid to bring over some board games, as they are making a triumphant return in '08 and I'm not just talking about Twister or Apples to Apples. These days, personalized Monopoly and lots of interactive DVD games like Scene It are party favorites.

Another major effort of the house party is noisemakers and party favors. Don't expect the host to have enough for you and a guest. Just stop in a local drugstore on the way over to the party to pick some up. Whether it's a hat or cardboard horn, you will be glad you had it when you look over the pictures the next morning.

Dress is casual but polished. Jeans are acceptable, sweatpants are not.

Rented Bar - This seems to be very popular amongst the twentysomething crowd. You will most likely have to pay a flat fee for drinking all night or a cover charge to get into the merrymaking, but no matter what, bring cash - bartenders still expect tips for their service. Practice all your one-liners, especially if you are single, because this is the place to mingle for sure. Wild dancing and hard-to-hear-you conversations next to DJ speakers will be memorable. Open bars usually cause over-indulgence, so be on the lookout for any appetizers or finger foods the barback may bring out. Many pictures will be taken so be sure to keep your eyes open and hands free - don't have a drink in your hand in every shot. A designated driver is necessary because these parties usually last until the wee hours of the morning.

Dress is upscale and jeans are not recommended. Kitten heels, blazers and bling-bling are a must.

Restaurant Scene - Don't eat all day. Well, if you have to, eat a small snack, because more than likely the restaurant will be filled with food and chef specials. And with so much positive energy in the air, dishes are sure to be passed for tasting. This type of party seems to be most favorable among married couples. With a prix fixe, you can go ahead and spend a little money on a nice bottle of red wine or if you are staying somewhere like the Southampton Inn, some Don P. champagne might be the right vibe. This could be good for networking and work-related objectives so bring your business cards and lay off the sauce - enjoy the pigs in their balsamic reduction, faux-grais blankies instead.

Dress is suit and tie for the gentlemen and for the ladies, bright colors or sequins are fashion forward. Don't forget your faux fur at the coat check.

Theme Party - If you're not planning on going to the Gurney's Inn 45th annual New Year's Eve bash with a Rat Pack theme, then I am not sure where you might be headed. Theme parties require planning ahead of time, but come game day, you should already know what you are wearing. Try not to spend too much money on your outfit unless you can wear the getup again. Much fun can be had at theme parties because sometimes you get so into character people start to forget the real you behind the 'fro and rose-colored glasses. These parties do not discriminate - everyone loves to dress up and boogie down.