The countdown clock is ticking.  Ready to put the final touches on 2007?  Well, let me be the first to wish you an early, Happy New Year!  For those who are married, with children, and without a sitter (that’s me!)…the new year’s eve (nye) celebration is most likely done at home, or at a “couples with kids” party (me again!).  But for the rest of you, who either don’t need someone to watch the kids, or who found that lucky person a few weeks ago, where are the best New Years eve parties and events in Des Moines and central Iowa?

My favorite New Years eve party was at a hotel a few year’s ago…you know the routine, where the have a great band, a meal for two (or at the very least, least heavy hors d’oeuvres), a balloon drop, champagne at midnight, etc.  And to top it off, you don’t have to drive or hail a taxi…you simply find your way to the elevator, do your best to insert the room key, remove the chocolate from your pillow, and crash.

I know there are several new years eve ”hotel parties” in the area (Holiday Inn downtown, Hotel Fort Des Moines, Sheraton West Des Moines), but if you don’t have reservations there are also lots of other great “non-hotel” options where you can usher in New Years Day.  Aura, Caberet, Club A.M, Mickey’s, Twisted Parrot, Wellman’s, and the Court Avenue bars are all places that come to mind, and I’m sure there are many others.  If you’re in this group, have a blast…but just make sure you also have a designated driver, or get a cab.

Also, don’t forget about ImaginEve.  This is an alcohol free party for the whole family and it goes from 4-8 pm.  Here’s the link for more information.

For the rest of us, now is the time to start researching those New Years Eve party games, ideas and appetizers.  And for everyone who stays up to watch the ball drop as we welcome in 2008, when you finally roll out of bed on New Years Day, you can do what most of us do:

1.  Wish everyone a happy new year
2.  Make your first real new years resolution
3.  Check the pictures on your digital camera, or search Google to see if you found your way into any embarrassing images / photos!

Happy New Year Des Moines!

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