Most American holidays center around home cooking. Except New Year's Eve, when the table is covered with expensive imported delicacies. We have some suggestions for keeping your New Year's celebration a little more local--and affordable--without trading off luxury.
As millions of people around the world toast the arrival of 2013, it's worth taking a moment to think about the hodgepodge of songs, drinks and delicacies that have grown up around this holiday. If you've ever wondered why we sing an 18th century Scottish ballad on the last day of December, take a peek at our New Year's quiz!
Hospitality analysts say this season's year-end celebrations are more numerous and a bit more lavish than the past several years. Champagne is replacing sparkling wine, and better food is getting served. Signs, they say, of an economy on the mend.
