This NYE was ridiculously fun. I was so excited to spend it with old friends (sorority sisters) and new (my trivia team). Honestly we had such a great time. We did a murder mystery dinner party, A Taste for Wine & Murder, which was so much fun.
the murder mystery
We had such a fun time with our murder mystery. Everyone in the group was really invested in their characters (think very thick Russian accents and actual Italian all night long) and in the story. How could you not be when the setting is a winery?
Rating: 9/10
I loved the game and we had a great time, probably one of the best boxed murder games I’ve ever done. The only downside was that the “nonessential” characters were so nonessential we had to really stretch it. Luckily my girlfriends were good sports about that!
Food
We had such an amazing dinner. Financially it was a great decision to stay home as we ended up doing it potluck and everyone saved a boatload of money even though we had a more lush meal. We started with appetizers – crackers & a variety of cheese from Trader Joe’s, as well as veggies and dip. We moved onto a really great salad and then had filet mignon, crabcakes, mashed potatoes and roasted Brussels sprouts for our main course. We rounded out the evening with a platter of peppermint brownies and raspberry brownies.
Rating: 10/10
Surf and turf is such a staple to me as a NYE dinner, but it’s so expensive when you go out. Great decision to opt for staying in.
Drinks
We drank wine, of course! Since the mystery setting was a Napa winery, we had to imbibe on amazing reds and whites. My favorite of the night was the Apothic White blend. We also had a great Malbec and a Pinot Grigio. Obviously at midnight we rounded it out with champagne. My favorite place to buy alcohol is Costco. Seriously the prices are amazing, especially on the Kirkland brand, which usually is manufactured and bottled at wineries/distilleries more well known. Since they are essentially the same and 1/2 to 2/3 of the cost, it’s a no-brainer!
Rating: 8/10
Our drink selection was great and I loved everything I had, but it definitely would have been great to have our own bartender for the night!
