How to celebrate NYE at home when we’re all staying in-in

RAISE A GLASS

Seeing in the New Year wouldn’t be the same without a tipple or two (or 12). Don’t fret – while you can’t head into town to your favourite cocktail bar you can still whip up a beverage well worth toasting with… “It’s an unwritten rule for most that the go-to drink for New Year is Champagne,” says award-winning mixologist Joseph Miller, found whipping up cocktails at Newcastle’s Blackfriars restaurant. “However, it can be costly, so it’s fine to switch to sparkling wines like Cava or Prosecco for a cocktail. In my opinion, you can’t beat an Old Cuban; a delicate sipping cocktail with a bit of class. Add six mint leaves, 25ml dark rum, 20ml lime juice, two teaspoons of caster sugar and two dashes of Angostura Bitters into a cocktail shaker and shake with ice, before straining into a glass and topping with bubbles.”

WHY NOT ALSO TRY…

Hepple Spirits Juniper Aged Ultrasonic Bundle – based in Northumberland, the distillery has just released two bottles of pre-made cocktails to be poured straight from the bottle.

Ashling Park Sparkling Rosé 2014 – this elegant, full-flavoured English sparkling wine is delicious on its own but has the body to partner many foods.

DRESS THE PART

Can’t see the point of popping on your sparkliest number just to see midnight in? “If there’s one thing the lockdowns have taught us it’s that we can still be just as successful in our careers and homelife in comfortable clothes,” explains Astrid Blake, director of Durham-based nightwear and loungewear website Alice and Astrid. “Instead of splashing out on a dress you probably won’t put on when New Year’s Eve finally comes around, why not instead invest in some decent, well-made pyjamas or a fabulous robe? You’ll feel much happier in something you can truly relax in – plus you know it’s an item of clothing you’ll wear time and time again.”

High Life North loves… Alice & Astrid Full-Length Silk Dressing Gown, a flattering cut with long sleeves, sash tie belt and inner tie, finished with French seams. You can also head over to Cyberjammies for a comfy lounge set like this Serena Slouch two-piece.

THANK YOU FOR THE MUSIC

New Year’s Eve without music is like Chas without Dave (trust us, we’re still heartbroken over that one). But how can you give your own home a true party vibe and ensure your bubble stays off the sofa and on the (lounge) dancefloor all night long? “Get each person to pick the top five songs they love to dance to,” suggests award-winning North East DJ Ian Conway. “You can also ask your family to write down the top five songs they can’t help singing along to, and the top five party songs with all the set moves and actions. Next, put them together into a mixed-up list and it’s sure to get everyone in the mood to party. A night of music on New Year’s Eve is the ideal opportunity to kick 2020 into touch, looking forward to a brand new 2021 full of optimism. Happy dancing!”