Tis the season to be jolly (fa, la, la, la ... ) but it seems as though there's an epidemic of bad moods going around. Everyone I seem to interact with of late is either stressed out or pissed off. Well, snap out of it people! Your bah humbugs are messing up the aura of the holiday season. I get it; the holidays are stressful ... but wake up and smell the egg nog. There is as wide an assortment of holiday parties going on around you as there are holiday cookies arrayed in front of your face.
On top of your company holiday party and secret Santa and re-gifting party, you've got the semi-formal Second String Santa party at Founders Hall.
I've heard people talking about this party since July. And the hype related with the crowd, a crowd for which I have two words: hot and tees -- it's like Charlotte's prom night ... with alcohol.
What's your New Year's resolution?
Lose five pounds? Get that promotion? Buy a house?
How about making a resolution to play as hard as you work. I may not know you, but I know you deserve it. So let's start this operation resolve to have more fun with a 2006 finale party ...
The NYE buffet menu divided up by price range:
$15-$20
Dixie's "Night in Paris," Grand Central's "Night on the Red Carpet," Buckhead Saloon and BAR Charlotte.
$20-$40 (depending whether you purchase in advance or at door)
The Forum and Cans, which are both transforming into a winter wonderland.
$50-$60
Sponsor parties: 10th annual New Year's Eve party at SouthEnd Brewery (won't see you there) and Rich and Bennett's New Year's Eve bash at Hawthorne's.
$70-$80
Loft 1523 offering a Duval Leroy champagne toast, but that's nothing compared to the four course dinner buffet being offered at City Tavern.
Other options include the Pajama Jammy Jam at RealEyes bookstore in NODA, the Masquerade Ball at Blumenthal Performing Arts Center, the bands RAQ at Visulite and U-Phonik at Wild Wing Café ... basically there's something going on at every bar. At risk of sounding clichéd, on New Year's, it really doesn't matter where you are, it matters who you're with.
The QC doesn't need a holiday as an excuse to celebrate. We tend to find our own reasons. In case you don't remember, which you probably don't for more than the elapsed time factor, the best parties of 2006:
Bartender's Ball: The ultimate S.I.N. (service industry night) where just about every bar in town sets up in one central location, like an information fair, to toast for Kids First of the Carolinas.
Bud Light MAXIM Exposure party: I'm no chemist, but I know for a fact that when you take Maxim magazine, stir in some Bud Light and ignite a party, that the end product is one of the biggest parties in the QC. You won't find Lindsay Lohan dancing on the bar doing tequila shots like the genuine Maxim party I used to hit while working there ... but trust me, Charlotte's version is just as fun.
Speed Street and All Star Race: NASCAR isn't just about fast cars making left turns on the speedway, it's about drinking cold ones by your car in the parking lot outside the speedway. Think Woodstock for rednecks.
The entire CIAA weekend: Between rappers, ballers, singers and actors in town from LL Cool J and Patti LaBelle, to the entire 106 and Park crew, there were more parties than basketball games.
And let's not forget about Carnevil, the ultimate Halloween party.
If you missed these parties, don't fret, they'll be happening again in 2007.
Psssstttt ... If you have any dirt or inside scoop on nightlife, shoot me an e-mail at brittney.cason@creativeloafing.com.