The simple joys of New Year’s Eve: Friends, great wine, and cozy vibes

Friends, great wine, and cozy vibes

Some years, I love to dress up, hit the dance floor, and count down with a crowd. Other years, bundling up to watch the fireworks at Seattle Center feels just right. But in recent years, I’ve found my favorite way to celebrate is hosting a small, intimate gathering at home with my closest friends.

After a busy holiday season filled with indulgence and nonstop socializing, I’ve embraced keeping New Year’s Eve simple and relaxed. Instead of planning an elaborate menu, I serve light bites, offer a selection of my favorite wines, and lean into the magic of spending time with friends. We trade formalwear for comfy clothes, sink into the furniture, and inevitably, one of my Springer Spaniels finds laps to curl up on.

The New Year’s Eve TV special is muted on the TV while I stream my NYE music playlist. Before long, the evening takes a DJ tone as guests take on bossing Alexa to play their favorite songs. 

Ringing in the New Year 

For me, ringing in the New Year is about quality –quality time with friends, quality wine from my favorite small-production winemakers, and an experience that feels blissful. But let’s be real: by the time December 31st rolls around, I’m a bit worn out from the holiday hustle. I still love throwing a good party, but this one is intentionally low-maintenance. Think comfort food, great wine, and an atmosphere so relaxed you’ll forget all the chaos that led up to this night.

Here’s how I keep things easy and enjoyable for everyone (including me) while ensuring the evening feels special.

Wines for entertaining

At Rising Wines Collective, we’ve made it easy to source exceptional small-production wines. To keep things easy, I like to have my wines delivered to my door. I like to plan and place a wine order online no later than mid-December to ensure I have enough for gifts, holiday dinners and of course New Years Eve. These are the wines I’ll be pouring as we ring in the new year:

• Kick off with sparkling wine elegance
  Start the evening with the Carboniste 2020 “Mackerel” Pet Nat Extra Brut. This lively Pinot Grigio sparkling wine pairs perfectly with Oysters Rockefeller and sets a celebratory tone. It is bright on the palate and a great way to liven up your taste buds.
• Toast at midnight
  For the midnight toast, I’m serving the Lytle-Barnett 2016 Brut Rosé. This premium Oregon sparkling wine is a joyful collaboration between two acclaimed winemakers, making it a meaningful way to welcome the New Year.
• Choose-your-own adventure with wine
  I love inviting guests to explore my modest wine fridge. It’s a fun, interactive way for everyone to discover new favorites. The shelves are stocked with what I call “conversational wines”—easy-drinking bottles that don’t require a meal but still pair beautifully with a variety of light appetizers. My high-end special occasion wines are in a separate fridge so guests can feel confident knowing all the wines they choose are fair game. Check out some of my favorite wines for entertaining.

5 tips for hosting an effortless New Year’s Eve celebration

1. Keep the food light and easy
   After weeks of holiday indulgence, none of us need another heavy meal. I like to start the night with a featured appetizer to pair with our inaugural wine. This year, it’s Oysters Rockefeller to complement the Carboniste Pinot Grigio sparkling wine.
   For all-night snacking, I ask each guest to bring a simple appetizer, and I provide a bottomless supply of salty snacks—homemade Chex mix, gourmet potato chips with dip, and, of course, chocolate to balance the saltiness. My favorite secret weapon? Popcorn. It pairs beautifully with both red and white wines and keeps everyone happily munching through game time.
2. Set the mood with cozy gifts
   When guests arrive, I hand them a glass of wine and a cute pair of fuzzy socks. It’s a small gesture, but it instantly sets the tone for a laid-back evening. I usually start with a bottle of chilled sparkling or white wine and transition to lighter reds as the night unfolds. And, of course, I always offer non-alcoholic alternatives like canned mocktails, soda water, and fresh juice.
3. Plan simple entertainment
   My travel Rummikub set is always ready for action. There’s something magical about gathering around a game with good friends, salty snacks within reach, and a glass of wine in hand. The combination of strategic thinking and casual conversation creates the perfect rhythm for the evening—and laughter is guaranteed.
4. Add a touch of sparkle while keeping things casual
   As midnight approaches, I bring out my collection of New Year’s hats, horns, and feather boas. It’s a simple way to make the evening feel festive without much effort, and it pairs perfectly with the sparkling wine and midnight toast.
5. Serve the last of the holiday treats
   I’m all about clearing out the holiday sweets. Cookies, fudge, and Almond Roca make delicious snacks for the evening—and it means fewer temptations come January.

Cheers to a cozy, memorable New Year

This year, I’m raising my glass to a fulfilling start to the year—one filled with friends, good wine, and moments that matter. However you choose to celebrate, I hope it’s everything you need it to be. And if you’re looking to make hosting easy, let Rising Wines Collective deliver the perfect bottles straight to your door. Here’s to a bright and delicious New Year!