The Ultimate New Year’s Eve

You waited. And waited. And now it’s officially New Year’s Eve. So how do you toast a very good year? Start with good friends, the right party, and end with expensive Champagne.

Here are our suggestions for the evening:

Costumes, Champagne, and caviar. It’s hard to resist the allure of the Four Seasons’ New Year’s Eve Masquerade Ball. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted with canapés and Champagne. Unwind with a live, five-piece band, lobsters, langoustines, white truffle risotto, and cheesecake lollipops. Dinner begins at 9 p.m. Black-tie attire. $800 per person. For reservations, call (212) 350-6658.

Four Seasons, 57 East 57th Street (between Madison & Park Avenues), (212) 758-5700, fourseasons.com/newyorkfs

Bring in ‘08 with a special New Year’s Eve dinner at Megu Midtown. Indulge in Megu’s Osechi Amuse, ten varieties of traditional Japanese finger foods, five different sashimi, Filet Mignon Kagero, and dessert. First Dinner Seating begins at 5:30 p.m for $150. Second “Count Down” Seating begins at 8:30 p.m. for $180.

Megu Midtown, 845 UN Plaza, 47th Street (at First Avenue), (212) 964-7777, megunyc.com

Seven-figure bonus? How about a six-figure party: Welcome 2008 with grandeur at your private $100,000 New Years Eve Extravaganza at The Campbell Apartment. Treat 75 guests to premium cocktails, dinner, Champagne, and dancing to a full orchestra in authentic 1920s decor. It could make anyone feel like a mogul. Contact the venue for more information at (212) 953-0409.

The Campbell Apartment, Grand Central Terminal, 15 Vanderbilt Avenue Entrance (near 42nd Street), (212) 953-0409, hospitalityholdings.com

Get the glitz and glamor of the original Times Square ball minus the tourists at Tribeca Grand Hotel’s Church Lounge. The sleek cocktail party features a replica of the ball in its 8-story atrium, with an open premium bar, food, desserts, and of course, bubbly. General admission is $149, reserved seating $249, and premium seating $299. Formal cocktail attire required. Call (212) 519-6666 for reservations. View invite.

Tribeca Grand, 2 Sixth Avenue (between Church & White Streets), (212) 519-6600, tribecagrand.com