This time of year should be more Rockefeller Center than Centers for Disease Control. Unfortunately, many plans have been compromised this year due to COVID-19, and New Year’s Eve will be no different.
We’ve all learned to maximize every space in our homes this year – bedrooms became impromptu offices, dining room tables became classrooms. As New Year’s Eve approaches, it looks like the usual Auld Lang Syne will have to, “be forgot.” According to the most recent state guidelines from ReopeningRI.com, Rhode Island social gatherings should occur only among the people with whom you live.
So, how can we celebrate this New Year’s Eve?
Let’s look back and see what Rhode Islanders were doing on December 31, 2019 – one, more-innocent year ago – to guide our housebound holiday options this year.
Last year: Roaring 20s party at Public Kitchen and Bar
This year: Drinks in your basement – a speakeasy staycation
At the end of 2019, Rhode Island Monthly highlighted the “26 Ways to Spend New Year’s Eve in Rhode Island.” One such event invited revelers to Public Kitchen and Bar for a Gatsby-style, Prohibition Era experience. Charcuterie and mini desserts mixed with potent tipples in dim, moody environs.
This year, if your house has a basement, you can bring that same subterranean style to your 2021 celebration. Refresh your memory and your palate with this list of classic Prohibition cocktail recipes. Bring your favorite smart device down for a grainy, gritty Zoom call with friends and family – Meeting passcode: “Swordfish.”
Must-haves
- Dapper duds - think hats, sparkly jewelry, and snappy vests
- Keep the lights low for that louche atmosphere
- Spotify’s Speakeasy Music playlist
Last year: Studio 54 party at the Rooftop at ProvidenceG
This year: COVID-19 party on your deck
Last December 31, New Year’s partyers at the ProvidenceG Rooftop were hearing “I Will Survive” not knowing the resonance it would have months later, as the pandemic took hold. Under the stars, guests sipped Champagne until 2 a.m while boogie-ing to everyone’s favorite 70s dance hits.
On New Year’s Eve 2020, take the open-air/open-shirt atmosphere and translate it to your porch or backyard. Dance your corona cares away and let the moon be your disco ball. If you’re going true Studio 54, select one member of your family not to allow past the entry door – got to keep it exclusive!
Must-haves:
- Crazy wigs and sunglasses
- Faux fur jackets
- “The Last Days of Disco” movie soundtrack
Last year: 5-course tasting menu at Newport’s Castle Hill Inn
This year: 5-course tasting menu “inn” your living room
Ah, New Year’s in Newport. In 2019, against a thrilling ocean backdrop, diners sat down to a civilized, celebratory dinner. The Castle Hill Inn featured a 5 course tasting menu from chef Lou Rossi, known for cultivating fresh produce at the inn’s gardens.
Bring the 5 course concept home this year by setting a lovely table in your living room or foyer for that chic, just-off-the-lobby, hotel feel. Pick a food theme. It can be as simple as recipes featuring a particular herb or dishes from your childhood.
Must-haves:
- Big square plates (and tiny portions)
- A little indulgence – think caviar or truffles
- Wine or beer pairings for each course
Last year: NYE One Providence event – downtown
This year: Times Square ball drop on your TV – downstairs
Last year, Providence’s official New Year’s celebration, NYE One Providence, was free to the public and included outdoor entertainment such as a virtual ball drop, laser light show, and spectacular fireworks display at 1 Finance Way.
This year, the Times Square ball drop will occur virtually for everyone. No need for NYE FOMO since the celebration in New York will NOT be open to the public, but there will be live performances to watch from home.
Must-haves:
- Official NYE2021 Times Square Experience registration (check out the countdown clock)
- Your favorite effervescent beverage to toast
- “Ball” foods – meatballs, popcorn balls, Hostess Snoballs
Last year: “Twilight Zone” or Netflix marathon
This year: Virtual 5-mile road race
A binge-watch may have been the introverted Rhode Islander’s way to ring in 2020, but with more streaming services than we can count and too much time at home, episode after episode of the same show doesn’t have the same thrill (plus, we’ve been living in the Twilight Zone all year).
Instead, why not get an early night’s rest and get into the “zone” athletically by doing a real marathon of sorts in your home gym or surrounding neighborhood. Exercise is key to maintaining well-being in uncertain times. The 36th annual Bristol Hangover Classic Road Race is virtual this year. Sign up to see how others are testing their brawn on the first day of 2021.
Must-haves:
- A specific mileage number to challenge yourself
- Social distance and a mask if you plan to run outside
- A festive New Year’s brunch to reward yourself
Celebrate 2021 in 2019 style, while following 2020 health guidelines. If you can, make sure to support local restaurants by ordering takeout meals.
Have a Happy New Year – and stay safe!
