7 Secrets for a successful New Year's Eve party

1. The rule of thumb in party planning is to change it up every 30-45 minutes. Why not use lighting? Use LED lights that change colors with the touch of a remote. Change the look of your event within seconds.

2. Invite different types of entertainment to surprise your guests throughout the evening. Strolling performers to greet your guests. Live instrumentalists playing during cocktail hour/dinner then add the rest of the band to kick up the dancing for after dinner play. A living table is a unique way to hand out party favors or glasses of champagne.

3. Vary the seating to allow for different styles of dining — try high cocktail tables, assorted sizes of dinner rounds, even distinctive furniture groupings that create conversation zones away from loud music.

4. If budget allows, provide personalized gifts to guests as they leave OR as part of the party, monogram wine glasses to use throughout the event.

5. For outdoor entertaining, and an alternative to gas heaters, add a stone gas operated firepit with furniture for fun seating without the smoke.

6. Instead of a specialty liquor bar, consider a coffee bar with different flavors and liquors that can be coordinated for a late night twist

7. Sweet shops are the latest craze – with endless popcorn flavors, candy and baked goods that can be customized for a take-away box with a personal message. It’s a great dessert and a gift all in one!