I did the expensive party thing last year. I shelled out money for a ticket that granted me access to a sketchy warehouse in the Design District, where instead of dancing and Champagne, there was a drunken photo booth and a lot of Jack Daniels. This year, I'm hoping to keep it at least a little bit classy (first step, convince my male friends to pee INSIDE the Porta Potties). With New Year's Eve less than a week away, I've compiled a list of arty ways to spend the one night a year you have to have plans.
The Dallas Symphony Orchestra's annual New Year's Eve Concert There is perhaps nothing more sophisticated than a night at the symphony. This year's concert is an evening of waltzes and classics, like Strauss' "On the Beautiful Blue Danube" and the overture to Die Fledermaus. The bright young face in the photo is DSO Co-Concertmaster Nathan Olson, the night's featured soloist.
Backyard Paint Party According to my Facebook newsfeed, the ludicrous act of drunken painting has become a favorite girl's night out or work-condoned team-building activity. I don't know about you, but I believe more fervently in my artistic skills after a few glasses of bubbly. And though I highly doubt Pinot's Palette will be open, you could always paint in the backyard at that dreadfully boring house party your best friend's new husband is throwing. Why not welcome in the New Year with Champagne in one hand and paint brush in the other?
Just Cuz. New Years. Based on the event name and description, it seems the SiHK Brothers have already commenced the heavy drinking. This new theater collective is throwing a black and white party at the Magnolia Lounge in Fair Park Tuesday night with "some banging music, wild dancing, heavy drinking." Let's hope they can keep the party going. The $10 entry fee gets you wine and Champagne. And I'd put money down that they won't notice that oversized flask in your pocket.
Pegasus Theatre's Rehearsal for Murder This is a very different monochrome theater party. Opening night at the Eisemann Center for Pegasus Theatre's annual show "In Living Black & White" falls on New Year's Eve. This show starring bumbling detective Harry Hunsacker is filled with capers and hijinks. If you're able to snag a ticket, be sure to stick around after to take pictures with the characters. Next to their gray-scaled skin that red cocktail dress you're wearing will be as eye-catching as you hoped.
Turn Champagne into Performance Art Rumor has it, Lady Gaga peed into a Champagne bucket and called it performance art. I also read on the Internet that at parties in Moscow, waitresses suspended in the air fly around refilling your Champagne bottle. Get creative with this one. Then send us pictures.
Texas Theatre's Year of the Woman party Although we're not making any promises, we'd bet that you'll find some of the Dallas film community at the dance party at Oak Cliff's historic Texas Theatre. This "New Year's Eve Spectacular" will have DJs, dancing, a special guest and Champagne toasts -- just make sure it's really Champagne you're drinking.
Sing along to the Sunset Boulevard soundtrack This classic story of a silent film star who couldn't transition to talkies became a musical in the 1990s, much to the chagrin of fans of the film. Critics aside, Andrew Lloyd Webber gave us a few rather beautiful songs, including the New Year's Eve-appropriate "A Perfect Year." Of course, your drunken version at midnight might have your friends wishing you were in a much more silent film.
Cry into your ice cream while watching An Affair to Remember Sometimes you just gotta call it quits on a year. Grab a box of tissues, light that Champagne-scented candle from Bath & Body Works (yes, that's a thing) and pop in this New Year's Eve classic. Just pretend you're on the cruise ship with Cary Grant and Deborah Kerr instead of in your apartment that smells like vanilla and alcohol.
