Most celebrate New Year's at home

‘It’s cheaper, and it is much more laid back,’ one resident says.

Terry Fuerbacher, of Hamilton, shops for wine at Noonan’s on Main Street. More people are staying home to celebrate New Year’s this year.

Staff photo by Samantha Grier Terry Fuerbacher, of Hamilton, shops for wine at Noonan’s on Main Street. More people are staying home to celebrate New Year’s this year.

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By Jessica Heffner, Staff Writer Updated 11:39 AM Sunday, December 27, 2009

To Shell Croucher, nothing says New Year’s like Chinese food.

It started as a childhood family tradition Croucher has continued in her own home. While she and her husband used to go to P.F. Chang’s in West Chester Twp. with friends for New Year’s Eve, she said this year they will have a much more low-key dinner consisting of homemade Asian cuisine mixed with take-out at home.

“It’s cheaper, and it is much more laid back. We can still dress up and have good food, but be comfortable at home and save some money,” the Hamilton resident said.

Opting for a night in with friends and family is a top pick for local residents. While many area hot spots such as Ryan’s Tavern in Hamilton and JD Legends in Franklin are planning special New Year’s festivities, the majority of people interviewed said they prefer home parties to going out. Reasons stemmed more from comfort than the economy.

“I don’t want to spend my night with strangers,” said Fred Henry of Middletown. “I always go to a friend’s house. Bars are bad enough on a normal night.”

Sparkling wine sales are expected to take a boost from the plethora of people staying close to home. So far this year, the sale of sparkling wine, especially California vintages, is up 11 percent to 3.2 million cases sold nationwide, according to Jon Fredrikson, wine analyst.

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