Step Into the New Year With the Ultimate Rhody-Inspired Night In

Once the champagne bottles have been popped and the whirlwind of a fabulous New Year’s Eve finds you stepping into 2025, it may be tempting to host your first soiree of the year in cozy fashion. As you settle back into routine, a winter gathering at home means channeling Ocean State flavors with local wines and food, a sprinkle of DIY flair, and most importantly, the easy camaraderie of good friends. Read on for ways to continue toasting in the new year. 

Sip Local

Set the vibe with a bottle (or two) of locally crafted wine. A smooth Wickford White from Gooseneck Vineyards can pair perfectly with your winter spread, while a sparkling option delivers just the right bubbles for a celebratory toast. Prefer beer over wine? Swing by a local brewery and pick up a growler or four-pack to set the laid-back vibes. 

Cook With Rhody Flavors
Create a cozy feast using Rhody-sourced goods and inspired dishes devised by our recipe contributor, Liz Murray of Recipe Hippie fame. Start things off with a mezze board piled high with homegrown favorites. For the main course, try crowd-pleasers like Slow Cooker Salmon with Quinoa or the irresistible Chopped Italian Sandwich. And for the grand finale? Indulge in the Cranberry Chocolate Ganache Tart straight from our December 2024 issue.

DIY Decorations With Heritage Flair
Bring Rhode Island’s seaside charm indoors with creative DIY decorations. Fill mason jars with sand and seashells to craft simple yet stunning candlelit centerpieces. A garland of driftwood and twine adds a rustic touch to your setup. Feeling nostalgic? Print black-and-white photos of iconic Ocean State landmarks, like lighthouses or the Cliff Walk, and use them as table accents or wall decor.

Set the Mood
Create a playlist that strikes the perfect chord with Ocean State musicians like Deer Tick or Alexus Lee, setting the tone for a relaxed get-together. Prefer laughs over songs? Queue up an episode of the Funbearable podcast, hosted by local comedy stars Chuck Staton and Brad Rohrer.