If you usually spend NYE out at a fancy restaurant or wild nightclub, being home this year will be quite the culture shock for you. However, even though we’re doing our part to help curb the spread of COVID, your NYE at home doesn’t have to be boring. This year we’ve enlisted some top advice from the pros about how to still have a fun NYE while cooped up at home. From splurging on luxe treats, sipping on delicious cocktails, and cranking up the tunes, these professionals have you covered.
Monica Carbonell, Liquid Culture
“Keep things simple this New Year’s, but don’t be shy to get creative with garnishes! An orange or lemon twist can go a long way in brightening up your sparkling wine, or throw in some rosemary and elderflower liqueur for some real magic. With the holidays being celebrated at home, you may find a few extra drops of champagne in your bottle that you’d like to have the next day. Instead of the old spoon trick, get a champagne stopper that’ll keep your bottle fresh for days after opening.”
Colin McAllister & Justin Ryan
“Add some Scotland into the mix! We’re having a small gathering with our bubble this new year, but that’s not going to stop us putting on our kilts and really going for it. So get out the Balvenie whisky (served up in thrift store find cut glass crystal tumblers) find a lump of coal (a traditional good luck gift in our native land) and crank up your favourite tartan tunes! Did someone say “Donald Where’s Yer Troosers?” Hoots, mon!”
Chef Mark McEwan
“This year is certainly different, but you can still ring in the new year in style with your bubble. Because you are entertaining smaller numbers (It’s just my wife and I this year), I think, if you can, splurge a little more on yourself. A quality protein, like properly sourced lobster or a tomahawk, would be an incredible treat. I would even go so far as to say get a small tin of caviar with all the fixings! I also like to start with quality champagne or a classic cocktail like a martini or Manhattan to get everyone in a celebratory mood. I also still like to dress with a festive flair (I tend to wear plaid!) to get into the party spirit. We will definitely be sharing a virtual toast with friends and be wishing our loved ones a virtual Happy New Year.”
Jason & Aly, The Style Guys
“We love to travel over the holidays, and this year our original plan was to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Puerto Vallarta. Of course, that plan has gone adios, like many of yours have, but that doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate in the same style! Start with what you would have been drinking and eating, for us that’s to start the night with a couple of top-shelf margaritas, chips and fresh guacamole. Next, make your favourite dinner, this year it’ll be enchiladas, with another margarita of course. At some point in the night, why not start planning your next trip? We like to do this by watching Youtube travel videos from the area, to spark ideas for things to do on our next trip South (of course, write them down in case you’ve accidentally over-served yourself). Finally, for the all-important countdown, we’ll set up a Skype call with our best travel buddies and raise a glass to more sunny vacations in 2021.”
Chef Devan
“While our celebrations may look different this year, I encourage you to embrace a different kind of celebration this year. Whether it is being at home celebrating with friends or family in your bubble, or cooking dinner for one. Get on the phone or a video chat with your loved ones and make an event out of it. Play a game, have a dance party, enjoy some downtime and remember to smile. there are a ton of online events that are helping people ring in the new year and if you don’t find one you like, host your own! Celebrations are important – even during a pandemic.”
