The Forge's Shareef Malnik gives tips for New Year's Eve
The Forge’s Shareef Malnik knows full well that New Year’s Eve can get a little dodgy. If you don’t do things right, you could end up with a nasty hangover. Or worse, a bad time. Here’s a few tips he’s learned over the years hanging out with celebs like Robert Downey Jr., John Stamos and the Hilton sisters.
Timing is everything: Get an early start on the night: the earlier you start, the better Chapter One of the New Year begins. Find one place that has everything you need. Great food, great music and great people.
Romantic entanglements? Bring a date only if the value of the date measures up to the tribute you are paying to the past year. Otherwise, stick with close friends. If spending NYE with family, choose a magical destination through the eyes of your children.
Three things you must carry: Good Cheer, Gratitude and the cell number of your Limo Driver.
Drink and be merry: Stick with a tight knit group of people who actually care about you before they start drinking. NYE is about indulging in a “degustation” of the finest foods you don’t usually allow yourself to enjoy every day… so, as a celebration and tribute to yourself, don’t hold back. However, avoid anything you see on Guy Fieri’s “Diners, Drive-ins and Dives.”
How much is too much? Think quality not quantity when deciding before and after dinner drinks. Best hangover remedy is hail Mary’s over bloody Marys. If you start with champagne then stay with champagne. Avoid tequila or you might not live to regret it.
Resolutions that stick: Pick something that you can do every day for just 10 minutess, but every single day no matter what. That’s how you build your resolution muscle with persistence.
Final note: Spontaneous, drunken and heat of passion resolutions don’t work. Whenever you committed to start your resolutions is when it starts, no wiggle room. “Spend your night the way you want to spend your upcoming year.”
This story was originally published December 28, 2011 at 3:12 AM with the headline "The Forge's Shareef Malnik gives tips for New Year's Eve."