Ringing in the New Year: Non-Alcoholic Style

Whatever your reason may be for not drinking this New Year's, do not let that stop you from having a GREAT time. There is no law saying you can only have fun while intoxicated...if anyone tries to tell you that, they are dumb (another incentive not to drink).. You can still go out and have a great time, maybe even better (with the added bonus of no chance of a hangover in the morning).

One idea is to offer to be the DD, designated driver.

Another is to spend a quiet evening at home with your significant other or a few close friends or family and ring in the New Year together. Chow down, play games, watch movies, etc. Watch the ball drop on TV @ midnight.

Check out the website http://www.clubzone.com for event ideas. Many places will offer open bar but depending on the event, alcohol may not be the center of attention. Or check out your local area to see what is going on near you. (concerts, live shows and more).

Another thought....

Rent out a conference room in a hotel or a private room in your favorite restaurant. Something fun so that your guests will be busy admiring it instead of searching out the bar.

Decorate your venue: metallic streamers, a disco ball and a banner welcoming in the New Year will all help set the mood. Setting a theme can be fun too!

Hire a DJ (or be your own) or get a local band, set up a dance floor, and boogie the night away.

Compensate for the lack of alcohol with an assortment of treats in the form of a buffet, sit-down meal or appetizers served throughout the night. (*For smaller budgets, make an assortment of hors d'oeuvres yourself*).

Mix up batches of fun mock-tails, an alcohol-free alternative to cocktails.

Offer fun games or activities for your guests to participate in throughout the night. Consider setting up a poker table or creating an area where those who want to can play board games (group fun). And of course, karaoke is always a popular option for groups as well.

Toast in the New Year with sparkling grape juice instead of champagne. Still giving you that desired bubbly effect.*

A FEW Non-Alcoholic Drink Recipes

The SHIRLEY TEMPLE original, was prepared, 2 parts ginger ale, one part orange juice and a splash of grenadine, garnished with a cherry or orange slice. The Shirley Temple drinks made today may have 7-up or other lemon-lime flavored soda instead of ginger ale and can be prepared with or without the orange juice

The ROY ROGERS is prepared with 6 to 8 ounces of your favorite cola (typically coke is used) and a quarter ounce of grenadine, garnished with a maraschino cherry. Add the ingredients to a tall glass (Collins glass) with ice and mix well.

The VIRGIN MARGARITA can be created with 1 1/2 ounces sweet-and-sour mix, 1/2 ounce lime juice and 1/2 ounce orange juice.

The popular BLOODY MARY can also be turned into a non-alcoholic crowd pleaser. Combine the following ingredients in a mixing class or cocktail shaker and shake with ice. Strain the ingredients into an ice-filled high ball glass and garnish with a celery stick and lime wedge.Well, the VIRGIN MARY4 oz tomato juice1/2 oz lemon juice1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce1 dash of Tabasco sauce1 pinch of celery salt1 pinch of salt1 pinch of pepper1 celery stalk1 lime wedge

Non-alcoholic Champagne An alternative to alcoholic champagne is combining club soda with thawed, frozen white grape juice concentrate. Add one container of the concentrate (12 ounces) to 32 ounces of club soda. This should provide at least 10 non-alcoholic Champagne-style drinks.

Whatever you end up doing this New Year's Eve, Best wishes for the upcoming year, 2010!!!
Be SAFE!!!!!!!! SOURCES

*({http://www.ehow.com- throw-alcohol-free-new-years{by eHow Contributing Writer })