Happy New Year's Y'all!
Now...Where to go? There is so much going on that it can be very overwhelming deciding what to do to ring in the New Year. I know this- I'm ready for it! My kids have been home on holiday break and I am considering running away. Just for a day or two. How many more days until they return to school? I think my husband, John will rethink taking off so much time next year. He is hiding from us...Maybe he went back to the office?
One more holiday and its hopefully back to some sense of normality. Is there such a thing? Of course not! So, go to your favorite party store, pick up some silly hats, noisemakers, confetti and the like and prepare yourself for a joyous and safe New Year's Eve!
Here are several sure to please parties across town:
My house and our lakefront backyard
Dress: Whatever is clean
Menu: Pizza delivered by Zapolli's ...or Trader Joe's Margherita Pizza and a wicked black bean dip with chips
Cheap Champagne and Samuel Adams...juice boxes for the under 12 crowd
Entertainment: Screening our telephone calls, Ping Pong, 80's Dance music, Karaoke by mostly, yours truly (Yikes); Watching "High School Musical" for the 23rd time since Christmas day; Conversation pertaining to politics and social matters that may digress; Playing on the Zip Line or Trampoline in the back (for those who have ingested too much sugar or libations)...the options are limitless and legal.
Party favors: Left over from last year...One lucky person may get the DVD, "High School Musical".
$: Free...just the price of some pride if too many libations are a factor, and the fact that I am sharing this!
Invitation only and none are extended beyond a small circle of friends
Seriously, the following are some fabulous options!
The Peach Drop at Underground Atlanta
Known as the largest party in the southeast and hosted by WXIA's Paul Ossman, Miss Georgia, Amanda Kozak, and Hot 107's Griff and Eagle's Rhubarb Jones. This promises to be a day packed full of family fun and entertainment, including fireworks! Peach Drop has gone country with "LoneStar" and other musical entertainment will be provided as well.
Children's activities begin at noon on Sunday, 12/31. Then, just before the clock strikes midnight, Atlanta's New Year's tradition will come alive when the 800 - pound peach begins its descent to officially segue to 2007. Stand clear!
50 Upper Alabama St.
Atlanta 30303
Admission is free and the party lasts until 4:00 am
Call 404-523-2311 for more details.
8th Annual Downtown Countdown at Hyatt Regency
"Party Like A Rock Star" presented by Six Degrees Magazine and Trend Setting Productions
Rock out to Driving & Crying, Rehab, Modern Skirts, That 80's Band & Unzipt
DJ Lethal Rhythms & Dave from Jammin DJ's
Live Rock N Roll Karaoke by Metalsome, Inc.
Live comedians (as opposed to?) in the "Showcase Comedy Lounge"
Heavy Hors d'oueurves Buffet & Late Night Breakfast
Top-shelf open bar
Party favors and a fun crowd in Atlanta to help you ring in 2007
Black Tie optional
8:30 pm - 2:00 am
Price: $139 for an all inclusive ticket
Tickets must be purchased on DownTownCountdownAtlanta.com
265 Peachtree St. Atlanta
New Year's Eve at the Biltmore
Atlanta's Most Outrageous New Year's event is Spiral Entertainment's New Year's Party in Midtown Atlanta at the elegant Biltmore Ballrooms. This event is limited to about 1600 guests and has sold out 6 years in a row, so don't wait too long to get your tickets. This year's party will once again feature Funkel Ester playing 70s and 80s covers in one of the ballrooms and a DJ in the other. This all-inclusive event will have numerous open bars and a sure to please, catered buffet. For a glimpse of what to expect, see the full details and pictures from past NYE parties at SpiralEntertainment.com.
Biltmore, Midtown Atlanta
817 West Peachtree
678-904-2880
Widespread Panic Concert
Philips Arena
8:30 PM
Tickets are still available on TicketsNow.com ...Hurry!
$65+
Heathen Chemistry
Heathen Chemistry is Atlanta's all-inclusive rock and roll New Year's Eve party, back for its 3rd year. After 2 sold out years at Vinyl, the party moves to a new venue, The Spotted Dog in the old firehouse on North Ave. Tickets are only $60.00 and include all beverages and a late night buffet - there will be DJs spinning rock 'n' roll, and indie classics.
Whole World Theatre
Ring in the new year with Bond, James Bond... Atlanta's popular, edgy improv company will host a New Year's Eve celebration with a 007 theme. Clever, eh? 007?!! I'm impressed.
WWT will feature light dinner fare, music, a dessert bar, audience prizes, and a midnight champagne toast, along with an improv show. Bond attire is optional!
Tickets are $65.00 per person. Doors open at 8:30pm and the show starts at 10:00pm. Call 404-817-0880 to make reservations ASAP.
1216 Spring St.404-817-PLAY
Info Link: http://www.wholeworldtheatre.com/default.asp?page=NYE2007
New Years Eve party at the Grand Hyatt Buckhead
The event is being co-sponsored by the hotel, as well as Q100 Radio. There are general as well as limited VIP tickets available. Guests will be able to indulge in an open bar, full dinner and breakfast buffets, and four separate entertainment venues.
Tickets available through Xorbia Tickets
Grand Hyatt Buckhead
3300 Peachtree Street
404-237-1234
Ocean's Ball, The Georgia Aquarium
Dinner by Wolfgang Puck Catering and toe-tapping tunes by Groovetown - all to the backdrop of some very big fish. I wonder if fish will be on the menu? Proceeds benefit education programs at the Aquarium.
$175 per person
8 pm to 1 am
Georgia Aquarium
225 Baker St.
404.581.4000
http://www.georgiaaquarium.org/
Restaurants:
The Park 75 at The Four Seasons
Chef Robert Gerstenecker's eight-course dinner may include roast breast of quail and white chocolate cake with Champagne Truffle mousse.
Included are party favors, a Champagne toast and live music.
9 pm-
$195 per person
75 14th St. 404.253.3840
The Dining Room at The Ritz Carlton, Buckhead
Chef Arnaud Berthelier's seven-course prix-fixe menu features foie gras terrine and seared venison medallions with braised red cabbage.
$278 per person with wine pairings; $418 per person with wines
3434 Peachtree Road, 404.237.2700
Midcity Cuisine
Sample the largest Champagne and sparkling wine menu in Atlanta with Executive Chef Robert Phalen's four-course prix-fixe menu.
$110 per person with wine pairings.
1545 Peachtree St. 404.888.8700
www.midcitycuisine.com
Jango Gypsy Kitchen & Saloon
Located in Midtown at 495 Peachtree St.
8:00 pm - 3:00 am
Jango is named after Django Reinhardt, the influential jazz figure of Gypsy origins; Django is the culmination of influences reaching to Asia, Latin America and North Africa with a distinct Mediterranean accent. Both the menu and the decor are designed to reflect the flavors and nuances of these cultures.
Django features a bar and restaurant with a mezzanine and an open-air patio-deck for al fresco dining or drinks. The basement level - aka The Belly- features live music, cabaret, DJs and dancing.
Dress: To Impress!
The Menu is Eclectic French Mediterranean with influences from Latin America, Asia & North Africa
Dinner Admission: 1st Sitting / $50
Dinner beginning at 7:30pm with a four-course dinner, a bottle of champagne, after dinner drink and after dinner coffee...and PARTY FAVORS!
There is a 2nd Sitting that begins at 9:30 and includes the same as the 1st sitting / $60
Open Bar and Dinner: $100
Type of Music/Crowd: DJs with a passion for international flavors which feature a fusion of Gypsy Jazz, Hip Hop, Downtempo, Soul, House, Groove, Disco, Electronic, Salsa, and Hip Hop
Noon Year's Eve at Zoo Atlanta
Get a glimpse of new baby panda Mei Lan on New Year's Eve. Kids can dance the day away from 11:00 am to 2:00 pm...make party favors and celebrate the New Year with apple juice toasts as they watch a wild ball drop.
Tip: This is the time of year to see the rest of the animals while the temperature is cool.
From up close and personal experience- visits during the hot months can be problematic when touring with young children. In the summer, most of the animals are lethargic and it is difficult to even catch a glimpse of many. I spent a great deal of my visit trying to convince my children that the animals were merely "lethargic"/ tired and not dead. Too much damage control was required when it was supposed to be a fun, educational visit. Oh well, they did learn the meaning of lethargy.
Call 404-624-WILD
The Funny Farm Comedy Club
Check out my friend, Comedian Tom Simmons at The Funny Farm Comedy Club in Roswell!
8:00 show $25
10:30 show $45 includes party favors and a champagne toast
You can ring in the New Year after the show at the Star Time Sports Bar and watch the balloon drop while enjoying a free buffet and drink specials.
Call for reservations: 770-817-HAHA (4242)
Still pondering what to do? Perhaps draw from a hat? Whatever you decide, make the most of it and be safe! Remember: Cab, Limousine, Designated driver...not attorney or making bond! You want lifelong memories, not NIGHTMARES!
After living in the south most of my life, I just thought I would share this:
New Year's Day is all about new beginnings, and the only way true Southerner's start theirs is with the custom of black-eyed peas and collard greens. According to tradition, they guarantee a successful and prosperous New Year: Collards represent the money you will gain; black-eyed peas symbolize good luck. Most southerners serve these with ham and of course corn bread, to bind your luck and your money together. I say add a Bloody Mary and have a very happy, healthy 2007!
Now, for that New Year's Resolution? Hummm.... Why even set ourselves up?
Cheers!
Libby Rouleau
Atlanta Entertainment Correspondent
Tell the Gather community the best local entertainment hot-spots in your area! Visit entertainment.gather.com to join the conversation!
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Comments: 8
Thanks for the tips, Libby!
And rember there is always Church for those who'd rather be Praising the Lord at midnight tonight
Don't forget the hog jowls