New Year's Eve comes with so much pressure. It's the last night of the year, so you have to make it as fun as possible! It's exhausting, and never goes according to plan. And, let's not forget that it's expensive. Everyone hedges their bets, too, so by the time you get around to making plans, half of your pals are booked in elsewhere. This year, we're pulling things back a little. We're not going all out; we're going chic. Make things easy on yourself, keep the details special, and focus on what's important to you, and your New Year's Eve celebration will go off with a very elegant bang.

Get Dressed Up

The easiest way to feel chic on New Year's Eve is to get really glammed up, even if you're just going to the local pub. Wear that beautiful dress [1] you never have an excuse to wear. Slip on those shoes you got for Christmas. Ask your friends to do the same (but don't berate them if they decide not to). The important thing is that you feel glamorous, like this isn't just an old night out.

Give Yourself a Pampering Session

New Year's Eve always feels exciting, a bit like a second Christmas, so really make the most of it. Treat yourself to a manicure or get your hair done, or if you're entertaining at home, make sure you've got time for a bubble bath before guests start to arrive. The more relaxed you feel, the less you'll be worried about having a good time.

Keep Things Small

Of course, it's tempting to invite dozens of people to your party, but that doesn't always make for an elegant evening, and it's stressful. At least three people will arrive drunk, five people you've never met before will turn up, and someone will fall asleep in the bath. Invite just your closest pals for nibbles and Champagne instead.

Choose Your Playlist Wisely

Yes, Prince partied like it was 1999, but if you want a chic vibe at your party, you're going to have to set the scene with the right music. Think soul and jazz rather than pop classics. Although, don't expect people to stick to this after midnight. All bets are off when the clock strikes 12.

Go For Canapes

Why is tiny food chic? We've no idea, but it is. Serve canapes rather than a full meal and everyone will be raving about the food well into March. Just make sure you serve lots that can be prepped in advance. There's nothing chic about crying over your burnt vol-au-vent cases.

Serve Cocktails

Are we over Prosecco? Perhaps not, but it's now something we drink every other day [2] rather than popping open a bottle when we have something to celebrate. So try making your fizz a little more festive - try adding cassis, or making French 75s [3] - nothing too complicated (and definitely nothing with paper umbrellas or plastic stirrers) but something that marks the occasion and doesn't feel like a normal Saturday night.

Go Out Somewhere Beautiful

If you don't fancy the traditional fireworks or a party, why not head to a hotel for your own chic celebration? You'll pay a lot more to stay in a lovely hotel on December 31st, but you can still treat yourself to a special dinner, and most hotels will probably put on some form of entertainment, too.

Do Nothing

Could it be that the chicest way to see in the New Year is to do nothing? If that's what you want to do, then yes. There's so much pressure to enjoy the night, but if you're halfway through a box set and you just want to curl up on the sofa then no one can stop you. You don't even have to be awake at midnight. No one will end, and you'll wake up refreshed and ready to start 2019 after a good night's sleep. Now that's truly chic.