Don’t Run Out of Bubbles This New Year’s Eve!

The Formula For Planning the Perfect New Year’s Eve Party

Five. Four. Three. Two. One…Happy New Year!!! It’s one of my very favorite moments each year, and yet, planning the perfect New Year’s Eve party can sometimes be a bit stressful. This year, I’m enlisting the help of Jon Wicks, longtime friend and owner of Red’s Package Store in Alpharetta, to assist me with my New Year’s Eve party planning.

Jon and his family have owned Red’s Package Store since 1981 and it’s a landmark on Alpharetta’s busy Highway 9 (it even has a drive-thru!). Red’s Package Store has an extensive selection of beer, wine and liquor and the knowledgeable employees go out of their way to make you feel like family. I sat down with Jon a few weeks ago and asked him the following questions:

If I’m throwing a New Year’s Eve party for 30 people, how much alcohol should I plan on buying? Is there a formula that you can share with me?

The rule of thumb for a party is two drinks per person for the first hour and one drink per person per hour for the duration of the party. New Years Eve is likely to increase this by at least 10 percent. If the party is attended by mostly non-driving neighbors, add another 10 percent.

As the owner of a liquor store, you know what people like to drink and what they’re buying on an everyday basis. What are the universal crowd pleasers that are good to serve at a party?

Although you are probably familiar with your guest drinking preferences, remember New Years Eve tends to inspire to drink more liquor. Hot items this year are single barrel whiskeys and Fireball cinnamon whiskey.

I want to serve a traditional champagne toast at midnight to my guests – how much champagne should I buy? And, if I’m not exactly on a champagne budget, is there a sparkling wine that you can suggest and that my guests really enjoy?

When planning on a midnight champagne toast you can plan on stretching a bottle from the normal six glasses to eight. Consider augmenting your champagne choice with a Prosecco or Cava.

What will you be drinking this New Year’s Eve?

I will be celebrating the new year with my traditional Jack Daniels cocktail.

Wow, what great information! Thanks so much, Jon, for sharing with us the formula for planning the perfect New Year’s party. And, be sure to visit Red’s Package Store located at 270 South Main Street, Alpharetta, GA, 30009.

Happy New Year, everyone!!!