From pubs to clubs, swank restaurants to private homes, nothing says New Year’s Eve like a gathering of friends, family or soon-to-be friends.

Food and drink take center stage at most New Year’s celebrations. Folklore says that consuming some foods even brings good luck – tiny marzipan pigs, 12 grapes and black-eyed peas are just a few.

“At Rover’s, we love celebrating the end of the year with our guests,” said Thierry Rautureau, chef/owner of French-centric Rover’s restaurant in Seattle. “We write a special menu, open great bottles of wine and ring the New Year in properly.”

Bellevue’s Pearl Bar &Dining straddles the elegant and exuberant line offering a decadent dinner then transforming the entire restaurant into a nightclub with a dance floor, multiple bars and entertainment.

Across South County, restaurateurs are cobbling together special celebratory menus to suit every style from sedate to stirring.

Whether traditional or trailblazing, New Year’s celebrations are as individual as the individuals participating in them. And just like a new year, filled with ultimate possibilities, every New Year’s Eve is filled with bottomless potential for fun and merriment however it is celebrated.

Where will you ring in the New Year?

In the living room watching the Space Needle fireworks.

Alicia, Seattle

Watching fireworks at the Space Needle.

Russ, Lynnwood

Heading to Issaquah and barhopping with my girlfriend, cousin and his wife and their friends.

Scott, Mountlake Terrace

I don’t care what I do so long as I’m spending it with my new fiancé.