Your New Year's in New York Cheat Sheet

New York City is an overwhelming place to be on the biggest night of the year. But it doesn't have to be all crowds and headaches (save that for the hangover). With a little planning and our party personality tailored suggestions, you're in a for a decade-ending worthy celebration.

First, some ground rules:

1. Let's stay zen in '010 and steer clear of Time's Square, okay? Unless, you know, you just happen to love impossible crowds, freezing your butt off and going without a bathroom for six hours. If that's the case, have fun! Weirdo.

2. Pick a place and stay with it. The streets and subways are a zoo. If you have Jeeves on call with the limo and unlimited time to sit in traffic, good on you. For the rest of us? Try to stick with one spot or a few places in walking distance.

3. Avoid Midtown and Chelsea clubs. The tickets are expensive and you're going to spend most of the night fighting your way to the bar through a sea of rowdy out-of-towners.

Now that we've got those out of the way, let's start the countdown!

The Group:
Traveling with a crew? Park your entourage at Radegast in Williamsburg. The spacious beer garden is Coney Island Side Show themed for the night complete with fire eaters and sword swallowers. There's a musical performance at 10pm plus all the sausage, schnitzel and beer you need to keep your friends in the party mood.

The Homebody:
Check out Murray's Cheese and craft the perfect platter of cheese, meats and sweets to nibble on with friends, family or Ryan Seacrest. For champagne, head to Astor Wines and pick up a tasty and reasonable bottle of Jacques Chaput et Fils, Brut Tradition. If you feel like doing a little roaming, stroll to Rockefeller Park in Battery Park City. You'll get a prime firework viewing spot while managing to avoid the crowds of the nearby Battery Park.

The Couple:
Warm, inviting and totally romantic, Vinegar Hill House is tucked on a cobbled DUMBO street, far from the madding crowd. The cozy restaurants serves up hearty dishes and buzz-building drinks. Try the steak for two or cast iron chicken and finish off with a decadent slice of Guinness cake.

The Cocktail Connoisseurs:
With a small, dim space and master bartenders, Death and Company is the ideal venue for a grown-up party with palate pleasing drinks. Order up a punch bowl for the table to sip out of Prohibition-style teacups. The drink menu reads like a good book and the candlelight sets the mood for a Midnight kiss.

The Hard Partier:
Courtney Love is hosting the Standard Hotel's bash and we all know that wherever Courtney Love goes, a wild time is sure to follow. Book your tickets and ascend to the Boom Boom Room for spectacular views, glamorous partiers and delicious drinks. There's even going to be special performance. Hole reunion, anyone?

The High Roller:
Put on your best baubles darling, and get the Dom on ice. Want to usher in the New Year with a no-budget bang? Book a seat at the unparalleled Per Se for their $750 per person menu that includes a 10-course tasting menu and champagne toast.

The Morning After:
Soak up the alcohol with a hangover-healing brunch at one of these great spots:

Five Points
31 Great Jones Street
New York, NY 10012
212.253.5700
www.fivepointsrestaurant.com

Walter Foods
253 Grand Street
Brooklyn, NY 11211
718.387.8783
www.walterfoods.com

Telepan
72 W. 69th Street
New York, NY 10023
212.580.4300
www.telepan-ny.com

— Written by Celeste Hughey

Photo credit: iStock.com

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