Back when we still lived in a house, we would always spend our Christmas and New Year's at the Lake aboard our 41' Morgan Sailboat, "Solitaire". For ten years in a row, we hosted a Progressive Party on New Year's Eve. For the first few years, the guests moved from boat to boat throughout the Marina - enjoying a different dish and beverage at each stop. One year, we tried an international theme, with each boat featuring music, décor and menus from a different country.

Nearly every country in the world has traditional New Year's foods that assure good luck for the coming year. Lentils mean money to Italians. Sweet black beans guarantee sound health in Japan. The German and Dutch eat cabbage for wealth. The Spanish eat 12 grapes, one for each stroke of midnight to bring luck and happiness in each month. Prawns bring long life to some of the Islanders. The French traditionally dine on oysters, smoked salmon and champagne. In Oklahoma and Texas (where we kept our boat then) black-eyed peas bring good luck, corn bread brings gold and any leaf the color of greenbacks brings prosperity. "Eat poor on the New Year and eat rich the rest of the year." 

The year after the international-themed party, there was an ice storm at the marina and one of the revelers slipped and broke her leg. After that we decided that getting on and off boats wasn't the best idea, so we switched to a Lodge at the marina. Even though we were all in the same place, we maintained the "progressive concept". Here's how:

Concept: First and foremost, although there are organizers and planners, there is no host – everyone takes a turn at being host at some point during the evening. The party is invitation only, but anyone who wants to attend will be invited. In other words, everyone in the Marina (or neighborhood, or circle of friends) is welcome to attend, but due to the nature of the event, they need to RSVP. Throughout the evening, depending upon the number of participants, another boat (couple) takes over as host and provides the rest of us with a beverage, something to eat (small plate) and something to do. 

If you do a little simple math, you might start wondering how you could get through this evening without being so full you couldn’t move and so liquored up you couldn’t see straight. Actually, the opposite is true. Since you are eating and drinking small portions throughout the evening, no one gets too full or has too much to drink. The key is frequent small servings – small plates and small glasses – just a couple bites and a few sips. This is the night to try out something new and special – and present it with an artistic flair. 

How it works: This is not a potluck – but a planned meal with multiple courses that are served over 4-6 hour period. Divide up the evening into 20-30-40 or 60 minute intervals depending upon the number of couples and the starting time. For example, if you have 10 couples attending, you might consider starting at 7 p.m. and every half-hour have one couple volunteer for the drink and food.

A sign-up sheet is circulated a few days before the party so that the people who plan to attend can volunteer to provide the food or beverage for one of the courses. The sheet should have a column where you fill in the times, a column that lists the course that will be served at that time, and a column where party-goers write their name and what they will bring.  It is important to remind people to serve small portions - just a few bites - enough to keep you for being hungry, but never so much that you feel full.

For example:

TIME    COURSE                NAME

07:00  Cold Appetizer         Jim and Nancy   Vodka and Caviar

07:30  Hot Appetizer           Andy and Lisa    Wine and Coconut Shrimp

08:00 Salad                        Joe and Peggy   Martinis and Caeser Salad

08:30 Bread                        etc.

09:00 Soup

09:30 Vegetable

10:00 Seafood

10:30 Meat

11:00 Dessert

11:30 Fruit and Cheese

12:00 No Host - Champagne

Each person is responsible for providing serving plates, flatware, glasses, etc. to serve their course or beverage (disposable is fine). Once you have presented your course and let the entertainment, you have no more responsibilities for the evening except as a guest. 

Planning: Within a couple days of the party, everyone will need to know the number of people attending and the dish and beverage that each person is providing so we can all plan accordingly. We usually print up a menu and schedule  so everyone knows what to expect and where they should be, when. Since even the best of plans can change, in the past we have always allowed for a few extra portions, plates, drinks, etc. for unexpected guests. And if someone asks to attend at the last minute and wants to bring something - suggest a bottle of wine or champagne – and bring them along. 

Entertainment: During your turn as host, play your favorite CDs, get everyone dancing, organize a game – anything you think would be fun! We've had people show up with Karaoke machines (picture 50 people all singing "New York New York" in a line, Rockettes Style); "Boy vs. Girl" Trivia Games (girls always win); dancing; singalongs; competitions; you name it. We have always had fun and been amazed when 12 o'clock arrives so quickly. 

Attire: Holiday Attire. Nobody really knows what that means, so just dress however you want. We have seen anything from blue jeans to formal dresses. 

The next morning: Another tradition at the marina was a New Year's Day brunch using left-overs from the night before.  

This is a great way to start the New Year and a guaranteed success! For recipe ideas, see my cookbook at www.nancyjim.org