Host an early dinner so guests can get home for the ball-drop, advises N.Y.C. event producer David Monn. Send invites saying "Come by 7, Home by 11" and end the night with goody bags holding a split of champagne, a decadent dessert and a fun, escapist holiday DVD (such as The Holiday or Love, Actually).

Petra Nemcova (at left) raises a glass (or two!) of champagne.