By LUCY ORMONDE
So, I have to admit something.
I can’t remember the last time I left the house on New Year’s Eve. I mean, it’s not like I’m sitting alone on the couch with a bottle of schnapps, mumbling the verses of Auld Lang Syne and watching the TV fireworks on the last night of each year. (That only happened one year. Promise.)
It’s just that more often than not, I choose to spend the night with family and some close friends – usually at a beach house and always accompanied by good food and plenty of drinks.
Just as an FYI, you should know that this post is sponsored by IGA. But all opinions expressed by the author are 100% authentic and written in her own words.
The beautiful part about bringing in the new year at home is that a) you never have to line up for a drink, b) the food is definitely not overpriced and c) there’s no waiting for cabs at 3am.
Instead, when the night’s over, you just politely excuse yourself and venture the 7 metres down the hallway to a cosy bed that awaits. It’s a win-win, really.
So anyway, after years of experience planning New Year’s Eve get-togethers, today I want to tell you about my tricks for success.
1. A good cocktail.
We try to mix it up each year. One year was Cosmopolitans, last year was something that involved gin and raspberry syrup (although after many, the details are now sketchy) and this year we’re going to stick to the standard mojito. So white rum, limes, mint and sparking water will all be on the shopping list.
2. A platter.
The platter is a pretty famous thing in my family and it’s basically just a shortening of ‘cheese platter’. (We’re a clever bunch, really.) Anyway, a standard platter for us is at least three types of cheese, two or more dips, some kind of fancy biscuit to act as a vehicle, carrot and celery sticks, some nuts (hello salted cashews), Red Rock Deli chips (always) and olives. Always olives.
Top Comments
We used to live near Mosman Bay and it would take 12 minutes to walk around the headland to Cremorne Point wharf to watch the fireworks. We'd have friends over for a party and decide at 11.45pm we would go!
Now I have three kids and live 2 hours out of Sydney - I'd love to take them one day but the amount of planning and effort involved almost spoils the anticipation of the fireworks. Should've made some friends in our old neighbourhood!
Even if i wanted to venture out on NYE, I stay home to look after my dogs who HATE the fireworks that go on in our suburb. They usually start and 9pm and go non-stop till 2 or 3am!
Normally have a BBQ for dinner, and arrange nibbles and champagne. Once midnight comes, we go out into the street and welcome the new year with the neighbours, watch the local fireworks and then in bed (with the dogs) at 12:30.