Throw a swanky new Year's Eve Cocktail party

You can't have New Year's Eve without a party. Since someone has to throw one, why not do it yourself? You may be stuck in your crowded little efficiency in Baltimore, but there is no reason why you can't throw a fun and memorable event to ring in the New Year.

You could just throw the standard frat-style party, but if you're looking for more than kegs and beer pong, you might want to change things up a bit. If you'd like to throw a fancy, sophisticated event, it might require a bit more planning. How about a ritzy and glamorous cocktail party, Holly Golightly style? This cosmopolitan party girl (played by Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany's) certainly knew how to throw a classy and stylish bash -- and she did it all in her tiny Manhattan apartment.

Invitations

You probably haven't sent out invitations since your mom threw you that Little Mermaid party in first grade. But mailing out invitations sets the tone for a sophisticated get-together and can add some personal flair as well. Try enclosing some confetti or glitter within the envelope for a festive (albeit somewhat annoying) touch. If you really want to make it an elegant event, you can use the invitation to make a note of the dress (business casual, black tie and so on). If you're the crafty type, try sending invitations in the shape of martini glasses or champagne flutes.

Food

Entertaining on a college budget might seem close to impossible (which explains why we have frat parties instead of cocktail hours). But it is quite feasible to serve up some elegant yet affordable appetizers. With a good loaf of Italian bread, cherry tomatoes, garlic, olive oil, and chopped fresh basil, you can whip up some quick and easy bruschetta. Or turn some baking potatoes, cheddar cheese, sour cream and green onions into potato skins.

Quesadillas (cut into bite-size morsels, of course), spreads and dips are always quick and hassle-free. The key is variety -- with a few easy-to-prepare finger foods and some preparation-free cocktail staples like nuts and olives, you can keep your guests munching throughout the evening.

Make sure you go food-shopping before Dec. 31 to avoid the rush. Try preparing what you can the night before to make it easier on yourself, and be sure to make more than enough, just in case.

Drinks

No college student has the budget to offer a fully-stocked bar, but that doesn't mean you can't have an authentic cocktail party. Offer beer, a wine, champagne and perhaps ingredients for one or two classic mixed drinks.

Of course, you'll need appropriate glasses -- check out Crate & Barrel or Pier One Imports at Towson Town Center or Ikea at White Marsh for champagne flutes, martini glasses or wine glasses. If you can't afford the real thing, pick up some plastic ones at Party City (6311 York Rd.), where you can also grab some tiaras, party hats, streamers and balloons.

Some classy mixed drinks that no soiree should be without:

Cosmopolitan

1 1/2 oz. vodka

1/2 oz Triple Sec

1/4 oz lime juice

Splash cranberry juice

Shake with ice and strain into chilled glass. Garnish with lime slice.

Martini

1.5 oz Gin

0.0 cracked Ice

1 green olive

0.5 oz dry Vermouth

Fill a mixing glass with ice. Pour in gin and dry vermouth. Stir (or shake) and strain into a martini glass. Garnish with olive.

Margarita

1.0 splash Lime juice

3.0 shots Sweet and Sour mix

1.0 shot Tequila

0.5 shot Triple sec

Blend with ice. Pour into glasses (first rub rims with lime and dip in salt).

If you want to give your get-together the cocktail party feel, play some Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Big Band hits (just make sure to have a variety of music on hand for when people get tired of it). Have a few decks of playing cards on hand, and perhaps a few other games as well.

The key to throwing a successful cocktail party is to enjoy yourself. By preparing food ahead of time and keeping it simple, you can be just as laid back and nonchalantly elegant as Holly Golightly herself.

Other party ideas

The possibilities for a New Year's Eve party are endless; just keep in mind the people you want to invite and the atmosphere you're going for. If it's going to be strictly girls, it might be fun and nostalgic to host a good old-fashioned sleepover (except this time you won't have to break into your parents' liquor cabinet for alcohol). Relive your younger years by playing truth-or-dare, rent a few good movies and enjoy watching the ball drop with your closest girlfriends.

Or take advantage of the extremely over-efficient heating system in your apartment and throw a tropical-themed party. Serve up some Strawberry Daiquiris and Sex on the Beaches, and have your guests wear their Hawaiian shirts and hula skirts.

Be creative and enjoy yourself. Above all, make sure your guests get home safe -- keep cab service numbers close by and be sure to use them.