JUST CHILL: There will be some respite from the cold on 31st night. “The night temperature will be around 15 to 16 degree Celsius. However, fog might blanket the city, reducing visibility to 200 metres or less,” said Met-Bhubaneswar director S.C. Sahu.

DRESS RIGHT: Girls, go for the floor kissing, empire-cut gown for a classy look. Throw on a glitzy stole around your shoulders or try out a well-fitting shrug. Keep your hair loose, scrunching it up with mousse or tie it up into a neat bun, allowing your bangs to flirt with your kohl-smudged eyes. Add a dash of colour to your puckers. Pick chandelier earrings, matching bracelet and a sequined clutch to accessorise. Keep the neck bare. Stilettos, peep-toes and wedges will go well with the long dress.

If you are in the mood for something casual, choose a boat-neck woollen top and team it up with dark coloured jeans. Wrap yourself up in a designer trench coat and knot a scarf around round your neck. A headwrap would look nice, too. Wear bright, funky earrings and long metal chains. A pair of high-heel suede ankle boots will look neat.

For men, tuxedos are the best bet. Nothing looks more sophisticated on those toned bodies and even the not-so-perfect bodies. Black, grey, beige…pick your colour. Formal leather shoes are an obvious choice. For those unwilling to part with jeans on New Year’s Eve, drop the tee and pick a shirt with subtle embroidery. Now put on a blazer. You could also pair a monochrome shirt with a waistcoat. Slick your hair back with styling gel, giving it a slight out-of-the-bed look.

PARTY DESTINATION: Hop to the hottest parties in Bhubaneswar being organised in association with The Telegraph and t2. Gala Celebration – Temptation Reloaded at HHI, Sriya Square will bedazzle you as a Russian dancer puts up a fiery show. Entry fee for couples is Rs 4,500 and for stag, Rs 3,000.

Enter the 13 at VITS on Cuttack-Puri road features DJ Abhishek, a laser show and sizzling dance performances as its star attractions. The pocket pinch for couples and stags is Rs 3,500 and Rs 2,000, respectively.

Big-ticket celebrations are also being organised at Swosti Premium, Xstacy, Empires, Pal Heights, Crown and Greenfield. At most places, stag entry will be allowed only if a couple accompanies them.

Expect: Parking problems, frisking on entry, checking of cars and belongings, police checks for drunk driving

Keep handy: Valid identity proof, driving license, debit/ credit card

Avoid: Guns or other weapons, sharp tools like scissors, nail cutter, expensive gadgets, alcohol in bag

Respect rules: Party ends at 12.30am, music stops at 11pm and deadline for last order for liquor is 11.30pm. Don’t hang around till the very end; push off soon after celebrating the midnight moment.

Safety tips: Don’t accept drinks from strangers or leave yours unattended. Keep your family informed about your whereabouts. Keep emergency numbers like 100 on your speed dial. Don’t drink and drive. If tipsy, request party organisers to arrange for a taxi.

Drink driving: Anyone driving with more than 30ml alcohol in 100ml of blood is liable to be prosecuted.

The fine could be up to Rs 500. The offender can also lose his/her driving licence.

PARTY ROCK IS IN THE HOUSE TONIGHT: This time round the cold weather is playing spoilsport and so, the overwhelming choice of celebrations seems to having parties in the comfort of home. On the brighter side, when the clock strikes 12, you can ring in the New Year with only those who matter. Make it a heady concoction of socialising, munching, drinking and dancing.

Decor: If you don’t have too many chairs at home, spread thick rugs and throw in comfy cushions and a few balloons here and there. Pull a coffee table near it to keep the munchies and drinks at arm’s length. Switch on the lamps for a warm ambience.

Sip ‘n’ bite: The menu should have more of hors d’oeuvres so that you chase it down with cocktails without the alcohol hitting you too hard. Search on net for easy-to-make concotions such as Mojito and Bloody Mary. Planning the main course could take a while, so why not float the idea of a potluck? Ask your guests to get the alcohol of their choice, too.

Music: Steer clear of heavy metal and sentimental songs. Keep everybody’s preference in mind. Too many English songs can turn them off. Must-have tracks on your playlist are Gangnam Style, Fevicol Se, Tum Hi Ho Bandhu, Subah Hone Na De, We Like To Party and Party Rock Anthem.

Midnight moment: Turn the music down and count from 10 to 1. Hug each other and raise a toast to 2013 by uncorking the bubbly. Go crazy with messaging and wish your loved ones.

AVOID HANGOVER: Don’t experiment with different types of alcohol and mix them up. Keep snacking in between. A glass of water after each drink will also help. Before going to bed, guzzle plenty of water. Avoid coffee, as it tends to dehydrate you. Taking adequate rest is the best medicine. Reach for the aspirin only if the headache is intolerable. Fresh fruit juice, eggs and banana also help you nurse a hangover.

NOT IN THE MOOD?

Movie: Grab a DVD of the films you missed this year. Barfi, English Vinglish, Kahaani, Life Of Pi and Skyfall will make for a good watch.

Book: Read up Fifty Shades of Grey to know what the fuss is over this bestseller.

Cook: Explore the chef in you and whip up a few dishes. Don’t forget to tune in to special programmes on TV.