By Steven Zangrillo
With 2012 approaching fast, it’s time to plan the festivities!
Whether you’re hosting a party with a group of friends or having a romantic dinner for two in New York City, it’s important to plan ahead on this special evening.  To get you started, we’ve outlined ten celebrity style activities that will ensure you have a 2012 celebration for the ages:
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1. Hit the Club
You can catch celebrities making New Year’s Eve appearances at the most exclusive hot spots from New York to Miami and out on the West Coast too.  If you want to hang at the same location as your favorite star, make sure you have your ticket in advance and you’re dressed to impress.
2. Take a Vacation
Maybe you can’t afford to schedule a jaunt to St. Barts or Lake Como, as Diddy and George Clooney have been known to do, respectively.  However, there are many exotic and affordable locations around the world that you can explore.  Websites like Expedia.com work hand-in-hand with resorts and airlines to put together affordable packages for couples and families looking for a New Year’s getaway.
3. See a Show
If you’re like Lil Jon, you’ll be hanging out backstage rubbing elbows with your favorite DJs and popping endless amounts of bubbly.  What better way to celebrate the New Year than to rock out to your favorite artist?  DJs, singers, rappers and other talent flock to Vegas, New York and Miami to put on their most grandiose display.
4. Keep It Simple at Home
Stars like Ben Affleck maintain a low-key status by kicking back quietly at home with loved ones, especially as he and Jennifer Garner await the birth of their third child.  You might also benefit from a little rest and relaxation.  A home cooked meal and quietly watching the ball drop in front of the television may be the perfect way for you to start the New Year fresh (and hangover free).
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5. Host a Cocktail Party
In Los Angeles, Drew Barrymore has been known to host a cocktail party with her closest friends.  If you have a big enough place, why not pull off a stylish rendezvous of your own?  If you’re ballin’ on a budget, have your friends bring their own booze.  Just provide some finger food, a comfortable area to relax and a TV to watch the clock tick down with the rest of the world.
6. Head to Las Vegas
Las Vegas is America’s playground.  Do we really need to elaborate?  You can experience the strip, the lights, the gambling (do it responsibly, please!), the shows and everything in between.  Jamie Foxx is infamous for hosting various events, including his comedy tour, in Sin City.  You can’t lose, unless you sit at the Blackjack table a little too long.
7. Take To The Slopes
Aspen is the go-to destination for celebrity skiers looking for a chic and celebratory weekend in the mountains.  New Year’s Eve at the St. Regis is the area’s premier event which has included celebrities like Billy Crystal and Arnold Schwarzenegger.  Chances are that your nearest mountain resort will also be engaging in festivities. Go check it out.
8. Enjoy Dinner
Another successful formula for ringing in the New Year is by making reservations at a nice restaurant with your partner.  Since it’s one of the busiest times of the year, don’t forget to call  in advance to get your spot.  You may even spot a celebrity or two eating at the table next to you.
9. Give Back to Your Community
Giving to a cause is a uniquely satisfying endeavor and can be done in a multitude of ways.  For example, Tiger Woods, Peyton Manning and Former Met and Yankee Daryl Strawberry have been known to host charity golf tournaments.  Local organizations in your area may host a benefit or be looking for volunteers to help them on New Years’ Eve.  If you have a cause dear to your heart, and they need help on this special night, this may be a good way to begin 2012.
10. Celebrate in New York City
There’s nothing quite like New York City on New Year’s Eve.  Times Square can be an absolute zoo but it’s definitely an experience to try it out once.  If you’re looking for something a bit more sophisticated, you can join the likes of Alec Baldwin and get tickets to see the New York Philharmonic at Avery Fisher Hall in Lincoln Center.  The one thing about New York is that you don’t need to plan your evening.  The best moments in the city usually happen when you’re being spontaneous.
How will you ring in the New Year? Â Share your ideas below.
