Happy New Year's parties

As I prepare to ring in the New Year tonight, I'm more than a little thankful that I'm not hosting! After a whirlwind trip to visit my family in Nova Scotia and then two days visiting my husband's family in Ontario, I only got back to Toronto on Sunday evening, and then I was back to work. That does not leave much time for party planning.

But, that doesn't mean last minute preparations are impossible - even if you're only starting now! A fab bash requires only a few essential elements: good friends (get out that cell phone and start texting), snacks (if you're feeling like making a meal, check out our roundup of lucky foods) and a few cocktails (learn the gradations of drunk, tipsy, hammered and sloshed).

You're on your own for the guest list, but we've   got lots of resources for the rest! Check out the Star's Gord Stimmel's column on bubbly that won't blow your budget and idrink.com's festive cocktail recipes.

Learn to set a fab table with Savoir Faire's Nik Manojlovich and check out Toronto designer and cocktail party aficionado William MacDonald's tips for throwing a very smart cocktail party. Yourhome's Vicky Sanderson also dishes on the goods to get your party rolling. And, as always, thestar.com's food section offers up lots of great dishes for meals, sweets and snacks.

And, if you are playing host, check out quick cheats for making your home seem clean without leaving you harried.

And however you're ringing in the New Year, all the best in 2009!

(Toronto Star file photo)