What Is The Official Cocktail Of The Golden Globes By LaQuan Smith?

Alexandra Reconco

Ever wondered what your favorite celebrities were drinking at the Golden Globes? Well, this year,  Moët & Chandon — the official champagne of the Golden Globes for over a quarter-century — has announced the official cocktail of this year’s ceremony: The Moët Golden Hour, created by acclaimed fashion designer LaQuan Smith.

Inspired by one of his favorite moments of any big night, LaQuan captures the colloquial ‘golden hour’ atmosphere of ideal lighting and glamour in The Moët Golden Hour cocktail. Made with fresh pineapple juice, pink grapefruit-infused vodka, and garnished with pineapple smoked salt (see recipe below), the Moët Golden Hour is the perfect sip to toast the 77th Golden Globes before, during, and after the ceremony.

For the first time ever, viewers can pre-purchase a limited-edition Moët & Chandon Champagne box to help craft The Moët Golden Hour cocktail at home. The box (SRP: $100) is on sale on Giftagram.com from December 16, 2019 through the 2020 Golden Globes ceremony and includes a 750mL bottle of Moët Impérial Brut, two (2) Moët Impérial minis, two (2) Moët Mini flutes, two (2) elegant, oversized gold stemmed Moët & Chandon champagne coupes,  6 golden cocktail skewers and The Moët Golden Hour recipe card.

 The Moët Golden Hour by LaQuan Smith

• 1.5oz Moet Imperial Brut

• 0.8oz Belvedere Pink Grapefruit Vodka

• 1.1oz Fresh Pineapple Juice

• 0.35oz simple syrup

• Garnish: Pineapple sprinkled with Smoked Salt

• Served: Coupe glass

Preparation: Combine and shake the vodka, pineapple juice and simple syrup in a shaker. Pour mixture into a coupe and top with Moet & Chandon Imperial Brut. Garnish with a fresh pineapple chunk sprinkled with smoked salt

About LaQuan Smith

A native New Yorker, Smith grew up in Queens with an innate passion for fashion and design. His passion developed in his early adolescence when his grandmother passed on her old Singer sewing machine, which resulted in Smith designing and creating his own garments. In 2007, he graduated from the High School of Art and Design and began his career in fashion. While he was denied from the Fashion Institute of Technology and Parsons School of Design, Smith forged ahead in his pursuits and a year later created his own self-titled designer brand. In 2010, he made his NYFW debut at the Society of Illustrators headquarters in Upper East Side and the rest is fashion history. Since then, Smith’s brand has skyrocketed thanks in part to the A-list stars (Beyoncé, Kim Kardashian-West, Cardi B, Rihanna, Jennifer Lopez) donning his designs, and the iconic designers who support and uplift his work – a huge advocate being Tom Ford. Now, Smith has his eyes set on a new partnership that will amplify and honor his work and the work of other pioneers pushing the culture forward.

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A Last Minute Planner's Guide to Ending the Year on a High Note In New York City

We’re only days away from 2020 and with so many options on where to celebrate it can be overwhelming and leave many New Yorkers to stay in and miss all the fun. To say goodbye to the decade we’ve scoured for some of the best New Years Eve parties around New York City. Jump into the roaring 20’s with the best events around, maybe you’ll even attend more than one.

Happy New Years!

Related: Spending New Year's in NYC, and surviving to tell the tale.

To stay up to date check on more events check out our calendar.

Mark Sagliocco/STTK/REX/Shutterstock

Tender

Tender (130 W 47th St) inside The Sanctuary Hotel is hosting a NYE celebration with seatings from 7pm and 9:30pm. The first three course prix fixe seating is $85 per person, and the 9:30pm seating is $110 per person and also includes dancing to follow and a champagne toast as the ball drops leading right into an after party to liven up the celebration while you're immersed in the lively energy between the heart of Times Square and the hustle and bustle of Rockefeller Center. Reserve your spot by emailing: events@sanctuaryhotelnyc.com

Nerai

Nerai (55 E. 54th Street) offers a contemporary twist on sophisticated Greek dining in the heart of the city. To celebrate NYE with an elegant seated dinner, Nerai will offer an epicurean meal with the choice between a four-course prix fixe menu at $115 per person, or Executive Chef Moshe Grundman's 7 course tasting menu at $145 per person. The four-course menu includes a Winter Salad, Tuna, or Artichokes as starters. Then choose between a Lobster Pasta with squid ink linguine in a metaxa bisque or a Black Truffle Spaghettoni with creamy truffle sauce, kefalotiri espuma with fresh shaved black truffles. Main dishes include Lavraki, a pan seared mediterranean sea bass with wild mushroom farro, horta and pomegranate reduction, and Lamb Loin with lemon potato gnocchi, honey glazed carrots and roasted Brussel sprouts. And cap off the epic meal with dessert in the form of Saragli or Karidopita. The tasting menu can be found here. Make reservations by visiting: https://nerainyc.com

Brooklyn Chop House

Brooklyn Chop House (150 Nassau St.) offers up  Dim Sum & Chops giving diners everything from homemade dumplings and noodles to their 30-35 day dry-aged Pat LaFrieda Prime Steaks. Specialties include the 7lb LI Peking Duck, the Surf & Turf with 2 - 8oz South African Lobster Tails and a crispy 16oz Filet Mignon for two, and the Alaskan King Crab Legs for two with garlic and ginger. With the crave-worthy food being served, it's the perfect spot to dine in on NYE. A price fix menu will also be available for groups of 8 or more, starting at $125 per person. For reservations, visit https://www.brooklynchophouse.com

Beyond Sushi 

Beyond Sushi will offer a 5 course tasting menu for $95 per person at their flagship location (134 W. 37th St.). Vegan specialties including black sesame bellinis, seaweed caviar, smoked cashew cheese, mousse lemon zest and chervil.  Entrees include white winter truffles with Arborio Italian rice risotto, topped with seared chanterelle mushroom truffle foam and nasturtium leaves, and Hot Impossible Pate on whipped potatoes, with caramelized cipollini port wine reduction sauce. Cap off the year with a chocolate lava cake. Reserve your spot by visiting: https://beyondsushi.com

Bell Book & Candle

Bell Book & Candle (141 W 10th St) is hosting a New Year's Eve dinner for $95 per person featuring dishes such as the Hawaiian Yellowfin tuna nachos with tempura kale, guacamole, sesame and spicy mayo, a Shellfish Bisque with rock shrimp and a Grass-Fed Filet of Beef with root vegetable gratin, mushroom ragu and white truffle oil. An optional open bar is also available from 9pm - 12am for an additional $95 per person with party favors, a balloon drop and confetti cannons and in addition to a champagne toast at midnight.

Clinton Hall

End the year the right way as you say goodbye to 2019 and hello to 2020 at one of Clinton Hall's locations in FiDi, E. 51st Street or Williamsburg. Grab your friends and watch the ball drop while enjoying a 4 hour open bar, and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight in addition to pass hor d'oeuvres. Tickets begin at $50 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.eventbrite.com/o/the-lure-group-8949803130?aff=odeimcmailchimp&mc_cid=dc728dbf2a&mc_eid=3ad4141e22

Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop’s NYE Bash Hosted by Joonbug

Sir Henri Penthouse Rooftop (37 W. 24th St.) will host a Joonbug NYE bash from 8pm - 2am complete with a 5 hour premium open bar. One of New York City’s top DJ’s will provide a lively soundtrack as guests dance nonstop to their favorite Top 40, Hip Hop, House, Dance, and Mash Up hits. As midnight approaches, get ready to raise your glass in a complimentary champagne toast and count down live with the whole room as you ring in the New Year. General admission tickets begins at $99 and can be purchased by visiting: https://joonbug.com/newyork/newyearseve/sir-henry-rooftop-new-years-events-new-york

Bob Moses Headlines at Schimanski in Williamsburg 

Bob Moses, the Vancouver-bred, Brooklyn based deep house duo Tom Howie and Jimmy Vallance will cap off the year with an epic New Year's Eve club set at Schimanski (54 N. 11th St.) in Williamsburg on Tuesday, December 31st. The Grammy winning duo came to life in the Brooklyn underground scene in 2012. In May 2018 they announced their headlining US tour in addition to the release of track “Heaven Only Knows”, which was quickly followed by news of the duo’s second full-length album Battle Lines and first single “Back Down”.  Tickets begin at $59 and can be purchased by visiting: https://www.schimanskinyc.com/calendar/2019/12/31/nye-2020-bob-moses-club-set

DEG Presents Above & Beyond at New York Expo Center

There is no place on the planet as exciting to spend NYE as New York City.  On Tuesday, December 31, titans of the electronic music genre ABOVE & BEYOND will ring in 2020 with a special headline show at an incredible cavernous location in the Bronx--the 60,000 sq foot New York Expo Center. Presented by Above & Beyond’s Anjunabeats label and New York nightlife impresario DEG Presents (formerly RPM Presents), Jono, Tony and Paavo return to one of their favorite cities for the biggest party of the year.  Watch for news regarding friends who will support in the festivities. Tickets begin at $79 and can be purchased here.  

Ten Hope in Williamsburg

Ten Hope (10 Hope St) is offering up a 3-course price fix menu with early seatings from 6pm - 7:30pm at $55 and late seatings between 9pm - 10:30pm for $75. Leek soup will be featured for the amuse bouche. Starters offer a choice between Scallops with chickpea mash, dill oil, and romesco, and Crispy Octopus with Israeli salad, and nigella aioli. Entrees options include Filet of Steak with Pomme Puree and Roasted Broccolini, a Wild Mushroom Pasta with truffle butter and breadcrumbs and Poached Halibut with parsnip purée and braised leeks. For dessert enjoy gooseberry marmalade Creme brûlée. Make reservations by visiting: https://www.tenhopebk.com/

Zeppelin Hall's NYE 2020 Party

Come as you are to Zeppelin Hall's (88 Liberty View Dr.)  New Year's Eve party with absolutely no cover in addition to free hats and noisemakers for all. Watch the ball drop on one of their many Hi-Def Screens while you dance the night away to a live DJ and ring in the New Year without spending your life savings.  For more information visit www.zeppelinhall.com

Ring in 2020 on the Water at Molos

Ring in the New Year at Molos (1 Pershing Rd) in Weehawken with a live DJ, party favors, and dancing - all the necessities to kick off the new decade. There will also be a 4-course dinner for $125 per person. Enjoy Greek and Mediterranean inspired seafood dishes with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

The Springs in Greenpoint 

Say hello to 2020 from The Springs (224 Franklin St) Ho Ho Holiday Lounge in Greenpoint without breaking the bank. Doors open at 9pm with no cover required and complimentary party favors will be doled out. Drink and dance your way into the new decade with DJ Alanna "That's So" Raben beginning at 10pm. RSVP by visiting: https://www.thesprings-bk.com

Ainslie in Williamsburg

Come in and celebrate the new year at the beautiful 10,000 square foot, 340-person multi-level Italian wine bar, beer garden and restaurant Ainslie (76 Ainslie St).  Their menu includes wood-fired pizzas, housemade pastas, steak, free-range chicken and more. The restaurant boasts four bars and offers an extensive drink menu including 20 wines by the glass, four wines on tap and 16 beers from local craft breweries on tap. There will also be a DJ spinning from 9pm-2am. Reservations of all sizes are welcome and can be made by visiting: https://ainsliebk.com/

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Off The MRKT's Top Stories of 2019

What did you enjoy reading this year? Between weekly listings and travel guides, we’ve picked a few of the most popular articles of 2019? While these are the most popular stories of 2019 hopefully they give us all insights of what to look for in 2020. Happy New Years’!

• Live Inside the Building Beloved by Celebrities Like Cameron Diaz and Blake Lively

• Bethenny Frankel Reduces SoHo Price In SoHo Apartment

• Hudson Yards Announces Opening Day

• Our Favorite Real Estate Instagram Accounts

• Ryan Serhant Launches South of Hudson Yards (SoHY)

• Top NYC Buildings To Live In For Pool Lovers

• The Best Rooftops To Take In The Fall Foliage

• The Seven Kingdoms Of New York City

• Is Your Underwear on trend?

• Where The Hell To Get A Margarita On National Margarita Day

• Have a listing you think should be featured contact us or email at Jeremy@offthemrkt.com to tell us more! Follow Off The MRKT on Twitter and Instagram, and like us on Facebook.

How to Prepare Your Apartment for a Holiday Vacation

The holidays are in full swing, and it's the perfect time to take a well-earned vacation. Whether you're heading somewhere sunny or visiting relatives, it's essential to prepare your apartment for your absence. Exercising some quick precautions will leave your space in prime condition to prevent maintenance issues or sneaky visitors. 

Once you hit the road, you can enjoy your break while knowing your place is safe and clean. Here are seven ways to prepare your apartment ahead of a holiday trip.

1. Unplug Your Appliances

Unplug any unnecessary appliances, such as the TV, toaster and lamps. Your apartment will use less energy while you're gone, and there'll be less potential for fires. Be sure to turn off or unplug any heaters and other fire-prone devices.

You probably have a low chance of experiencing any electrical incidents, but it's always better to be safe and cut everything off. Paying a smaller electric bill doesn't hurt, either.

2. Get an Apartment Sitter

Ask a friend or relative to watch your apartment. You won't have to go through the trouble of making your place look lived-in. Plus, they'll collect all your mail for you and pet-sit any animals you may have. If they can't help you out, ask a kindhearted neighbor to watch over your place.

Hiring a professional apartment sitter is another option, and you're bound to find luck as a New Yorker. Sitters jump at the chance to visit appealing, well-known cities. Only try this if you don't mind a stranger staying in your place, though.

3. Set Your Thermostat

Heating your place while you're gone causes you to lose money. No one's there to enjoy the toasty environment, so why keep it cranked up to the 70s? Set it at a level that's comfortable for you — not super warm, but not cold enough to freeze your pipes.

If you have a smart thermostat linked with a smartphone app, you have the luxury of doing this step from home or while you're already on the plane. Or, you can set it to adjust automatically. Once the room is empty, your HVAC will drop the temperature on its own, leaving you with peace and reassurance.

4. Leave the Tap Open

Leave at least one faucet on while you're gone —a slow dripping of water is enough. Doing this will prevent your pipes from freezing, which would otherwise lead to pipe bursting. It's better to pay a little more for your water bill that month than have a waterlogged, moldy apartment to come back to.

Look for signs of failing pipes and plumbing issues a couple of weeks before you leave — you'll give yourself adequate time to fix these problems. Common indications of damaged plumbing include rattling pipes, drains that don't empty and weak water pressure. If any of these are present in your rental, dial a professional before setting off on your vacation.

5. Buy an Automatic Light Timer

If no one's going to be watching your place for you, set a timer to turn your lights on and off. A light timer will create the appearance of a lived-in apartment, which will deter nosy criminals.

If possible, program the lights to come on at slightly different times every day. Unless you keep a tight lighting schedule, you likely don't turn them on at the same time daily. A cunning thief could notice this and figure out you're using a switch.

6. Do a Deep Clean

The days leading to a vacation are often hectic and exciting, but remember to squeeze in some time to spruce up your space. Take out your trash and wash the dishes before you go. A sink or garbage can full of spoiled food attracts pests — you don't want to find a house party of rats or roaches once you return. 

Now is also a good time to do any extra cleaning you've been meaning to tackle, like scrubbing the bathroom or vacuuming the floor. You'll feel great coming back to a sparkling apartment after a relaxing vacation.

7. Hide Valuables in Unexpected Spots

Hopefully, you will leave your apartment locked and secured, but consider hiding your valuables as an extra step. Leaving them in plain sight makes it easier for potential thieves to run off with your belongings. Avoid putting them in typical hiding spots like closets and drawers, because burglars will look in these areas first.

Stash your things in empty food containers, potted plants, a vacuum cleaner bag or even a printer. Anything with an inconspicuous hollow space will work.

Buy a surveillance camera to survey the apartment interior and exterior if you're particularly cautious. These days, you can even get a smart system that lets you monitor your home remotely. Many devices, like Ring and Remo+, have companion apps that let you view footage on your smartphone.

Protect Your Rental Through the Holiday Season

Ready to embark on a wintry adventure? With these tips, your apartment will be safe and sound when you come back. In the meantime, you can enjoy your vacation without the stress of mishaps and incidents. Here's to another year of safe NYC living.

Holly Welles is a real estate blogger covering design, finance and market trends for apartment dwellers. You can find more of her work on her blog, The Estate Update.

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Printer’s Punch - Favorite Beverage of Benjamin Franklin

As we get closer to Christmas, one thing many of us will be doing is drinking a lot of alcohol! If you are looking to serve drinks at a party with a bit of history, why not consider Printer’s Punch? This was Benjamin Franklin’s favorite drink, and in this post, we are going to reveal everything you need to know about it.

Benjamin Franklin was one of the United States' Founding Fathers. He was a well-known polymath, which means he excelled in several different subject areas, and thus he was known as a leading author, diplomat, statesman, scientist, postmaster, politician, civic activist, inventor, political theorist and printer. You don’t need me to tell you about the history of this incredible man, as there are thousands of articles online exploring his colourful life and achievements. 

But, as we love all things cocktail related, one thing I am particularly interested in is Franklin’s favourite beverage, which was the Printer’s Punch. This is a unique cocktail, and there have been a lot of different variations created. There are also some mocktail versions, which are definitely worth looking into. This is especially the case if you have any guests that have been to facilities like Bali Beginnings. It is so important to make sure they feel comfortable and welcome and not like the odd one out, which is why making mocktails of the cocktails you’re serving comes highly recommended. 

According to a recipe from Poor Richard’s Almanack, from June 1737, the recipe for Printer’s Punch is as follows… ‘Boy, bring a bowl of China here. Fill it with water cool and clear. Decanter with Jamaica Ripe, and spoon of silver, clean and bright. Sugar twice-fin’d in pieces cut, knife, sieve and glass in order put. Bring forth the fragrant fruit and then we’re happy till the clock strikes ten.’

Nowadays punch is a term that is used for a wide variety of drinks, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic. The only consistent is that some form of fruit juice or fruit is present within the drink, aside from that the ingredients differ considerably. The term punch was first recorded in 1632 in British documents. But, as Benjamin Franklin was alive from 1705 to 1790, the recipe stated is most likely to be similar or even identical to the one Franklin followed. 

Aside from Printer’s Punch, some of Franklin’s favourite foods included Parmesan cheese, turkey, ginseng, potatoes, pickles, cranberries and apples. He is also responsible for introducing scotch kale, rhubarb and tofu to the colonies. 

It is always interesting to learn about the history of some of the world’s most famous drinks. So, if you want to create a cocktail to remember, why not make your own version of the famous Printer’s Punch?

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Top 5 Wines Under $30 According To Wine Spectator

Alexandra Reconco

Wine Spectator editors have revealed their Top 100 wines of 2019. The editors survey all kinds of wines over the previous 12 months and select the Top 100 based on quality, value, availability, and excitement. From this list, we have compiled the top 5 of the wines that are priced under $30, which is perfect for all the upcoming dinners and gatherings this holiday season.

2015 Tenuta Bibbiano Chianti Classico Riserva (Price: $30)

This wine is a flavor explosion of cherry, plum, some floral notes, wild thyme and iron aromas that all highlight this complex, vibrant red. This red wine is beautifully balanced and has well-integrated tannins and lively acidity that allows for the wine to age well.

2016 Sans Liege The Offering Santa Barbara County (Price: $29)

This wine is distinctive, refined and offers strong flavors of black cherry, cigar box, green olive, and cured meat accents that builds on the richness of the wine.

2016 Bodegas Mas Alta Priorat La Vilella Alta Black Slate (Price: $23)

This red wine features a round, soft texture that has ripe black fruit flavors, licorice, toast, and earth notes. This wine is pretty floral and has a cinnamon flavor on the finish.

2017 Castellare di Castellina Chianti Classico (Price: $22)

This wine has flavors of pure cherry and blackberry fruit which defines this intense, racy red. This red wine is firm and tensile, with fine balance and a lingering aftertaste of vibrant fruit, graphite and tobacco flavors.

2017 Petra Toscana Zingari (Price: $15)

This wine has notes of dark cherry, black currant, and blackberry that truly make this wine, a wine for everybody. With accents of fresh earth, thyme, and rosemary, this wine has depth but has a wonderful balance.

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Don't Forget To Do These 4 Things Before Booking Your Next Hotel

There’s nothing like a vacation. The sun, the sea, and the sand are incredible, but so is the tranquility and the lack of stress. It’s as if you’ve gone to the Apple Store and they’ve reset your factory settings! Because your vacation means so much to you, every detail must be on point, and there is no better place to start than your hotel. Even if you don’t plan on spending much time there, the room can start the holiday off with a bang. It might be a damp squib if it’s not up to scratch.

Thankfully, there are easy and straightforward ways to ensure the latter isn’t the case.

Check For Alternative Accommodation

Think vacation and a hotel will spring to mind. Of course, chains don’t have a monopoly on accommodation, and you should keep this point in mind. Whether it’s a condo or villa, you can rent a private property for the same price in some instances. Vacation homes are far more accessible now than ever, thanks to the internet. Airbnb has also played a significant role, so it’s smart to weigh up your options and never to assume. Lots of landlords will list properties at affordable rates, especially if you travel in the off-season.

Make Sure Add-Ons Are Included

The base rate is almost always for the room. Everything else is going to cost you, and you don’t want to find out about this once you turn up at the front desk. If you do, you might have to pay extra for the add-ons, such as breakfast and parking, and the price could increase astronomically. Therefore, it’s best to check if the little things that you believe are essential are included in the price. Often, a breakdown of the costs is available on the likes of Booking - all you need to do is click on “amenities.”

Never Skip The Reviews

Reviews are recommendations from third-parties that you can trust. They aren’t trying to sell you anything, which is why you must consult them before proceeding to the checkout. However, there are caveats; for instance, you won’t find specific features as significant as other guests. With that in mind, it’s important to write down a list of non-negotiable items and see if they pop up. Should they not, you can take the review with a grain of salt. Another crucial tip: don’t go solely off their site. Reviews are handpicked to make the hotel look impressive, which is why you need TripAdvisor or an external site.

Enquire About Airport Transfers

The location of the hotel often seems more significant. After all, you’re only going to travel to the airport a maximum of two times. Still, airports are very far away and cost money, even with Uber. Secondly, getting to the hotel when you land can set the tone for your vacation. What if you only have a couple of nights? You don’t want to waste one of them navigating the subway and train systems.

A hotel pick-up, especially when it’s included, is a hassle-free and cheap way to start your holiday in the right manner.

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Rent AD-100 Designer David Kleinberg's Hamptons House for $125,000... in August

As we enter into the new year, it’s about time to start figuring out where you’ll be staying during the Summer. If you don’t own out East, it’s always nice stay with friends or to do a stay at Gurney’s. For those looking for a place to stay in August, look no further.

Located at 1 Hedge Road Lane in East Hampton, Prolific AD-100 designer David Kleinberg just listed his home for rent for the month of August... for $125k!

Kleinberg bought and renovated the property, and it received an write-up in Architectural Digest back in 2015., his work is frequently mentioned in the press and he is very highly regarded.

The expansive four-acre property adjacent to a nature preserve, is in close proximity to the village of East Hampton, and is secluded position down a dramatic driveway. Beautiful layout with an open living room and the gathering room adjoining the sunny kitchen with a mix of timeless and mid-century furnishings throughout. Master bedrooms on either side of the house ensure privacy while 2 other guest bedrooms have an additional bath.

Enjoy southern views beyond the heated pool and beautifully landscaped lawn with views of a gorgeous meadow as well as separate private guest cottage and detached 2-car garage, all compliments of Kleinberg himself.

The agent is Compass' Matthew Breitenbach.

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How to Get Your Home Ready for the New Year

The new year is just around the corner! More than half of Americans -- 60% to be exact -- make New Year's resolutions. These resolutions run the gamut. Just about all of U.S. men and women will resolve to eat healthier, lose weight, save money, quit smoking, or exercise more. Try something new in 2020. Make resolutions to improve your home.

Having a clean and organized home reduces stress and boosts your energy levels. According to a study by Indiana University, people with cleaner homes are happier, healthier, and more active. Put another way, picking up and keeping things orderly can directly help you achieve your run-of-the-mill resolutions, like eating healthier and losing weight.

So go for it! Clean your home more. Improve your surroundings, and meet your other goals, too. Not sure what resolutions to make for your home in 2020? Try these sample home improvement resolutions!

Get Ready to Entertain!

Entertain more. It's simple. We're social creatures. We're wired to be around other people--and to care what they think. Use other people to motivate you to keep things tidy. A quick tip by home care experts is to purchase some big, leafy green plants and take care of them. This immediately adds a new level of sophistication to your home without too much effort on your part.

Entertaining promotes healthy and positive social pressure. Having people over--and doing it often--will encourage you to keep up with appearances when it comes to your home. Barbecues, sports, potlucks, and birthday parties are all great things to encourage friends and family to come over.

Why not start out the year right with a New Year's Eve party? Buy snacks, encourage guests to bring a dish to pass, and purchase eye-catching, cost-effective decorations like streamers, confetti, and gold and silver balloons. Decorate an entire wall by purchasing individual silver balloons spelling out the words "Happy New Year!" Add 2020 if you need the balloons to take up more room. Relatively low-cost foil balloons are meant to be a spectacle. In fact, they were invented to celebrate the New York City Ballet in the 1970s!

Don't forget clean-up! Remember, your new resolution means cleaning up the dishes and picking up after guests and social functions.

Lower Your Energy Bill

Who doesn't want to save money? Installing new windows reduces heating and cooling bills while affording you the added benefit of new, fresh looking windows. Plus, having a clean home is about more than keeping things superficially clean. The average heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system sucks in dust, dander, and chemicals and circulates them around your house five to seven times a day! New windows will make these systems run more efficiently, reducing the costs and air contamination associated with heating and air conditioning.

Add a layer of fresh paint to window trim for an extra sleek, extra clean look!

Resolve to Keep Everyone Safe

It takes more than just dusting to be a responsible--and therefore happier and more active!---homeowner. Do your part and keep you, your loved ones, and guests safe by keeping up with important maintenance. What does that look like?

To start, did you know that your roof needs to be inspected once or twice per year? Schedule a roof inspection, install surge protectors, and have your home tested for the presence of radon. According to HGTV, radon is a "colorless, odorless gas [that] causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths each year from the radioactive particles it traps in your lungs as you breathe." Is it a common problem? Unfortunately, the answer is yes. "One in every fifteen homes has elevated levels," HGTV and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) add.

Remember, these costs are protective and well worth it in the long-run. It costs an average of almost $15,200 to sell the average American home. Investing a few hundred dollars in your safety and the safety of all your home's occupants and guests, by comparison, is just a drop in the bucket.

Schedule Cleaning, and Stick to It!

You've got a date to clean your home, and you can't cancel! Without some kind of structure in place, it's easy to let things go and for messes to build up without you realizing it. Make a point to keep cleaning a regular, daily activity. In fact, resolve to do it this New Year's Eve. Here are some things to consider when creating your very own cleaning schedule:

• Dishes are immediate. Always. There are some things that can wait until tomorrow. Dishes aren't one of them. Schedule doing the dishes as a daily activity. Put dishes in the dishwasher every single night, or do them by hand if you have to. Neglecting the dishes leads to weird smells and nasty critters, like roaches and fruit flies. Similarly, the trash needs to go out regularly. Throw out any trash with perishables in it on a nightly basis. Clean countertops and stovetops. Another task that can fall under the daily or nightly category is simply picking up after yourself. If you take a DVD out to watch it, put it back in its case and the case back in its spot after.

• What's semi-immediate? These are the tasks you should resolve to tackle every few days or on a weekly basis. That includes sweeping and mopping floors, wiping down all windows and mirrors, cleaning the refrigerator, washing and replacing bedsheets, and dusting.

• Sometimes cleaning tasks. Sometimes, cleaning may be necessary but it's not particularly urgent. Basically, you just need to make certain it gets done from time to time. These household chores include things like cleaning the oven, cleaning the dishwasher, vacuuming under furniture, and wiping baseboards, door frames, and doors clean.

Did you know your health and overall well-being depends on the cleanliness and safety of your home? This New Year's, resolve to get completely healthy--and that means taking care of the "health" of your home, too! Keep things clean, tidy, and safe by entertaining more often, scheduling cleaning and household chores, keeping up with required home maintenance, and choosing energy-efficient fixtures and practices.