So Who Needs a New Year’s Invitation?

It’s that one really big night of the year when you just have to get out and celebrate but can’t decide how. But big parties can so often be imposing, with everyone wanting a kiss from you or insisting they’ve got one for you. Small parties can make you feel lonely, sometimes leaving you thinking, “Gee, I wonder what everybody else is doing?” Well, you can’t have it both ways, so you’re going to have to decide.

Since we don’t know your friends and who did and didn’t invite you to their party, here are a few suggestions ranging from glamorous and fabulous to the intimate and romantic. Now all you have to do is decide on where you want to go, but one thing is for sure, let someone else get behind the wheel. That way you can gloat all night either way you go.

One of your not-as-glamorous-as-possible New Year’s Eve gatherings will take place “Where America Sleeps.” The Hollywood Holiday Inn is renowned world round not only for its truly stunning view of Hollywood Boulevard but also it’s revolving top floor. The Hollywood Holiday Inn is at 1755 Highland Ave. in Hollywood. Call (213) 462-7181.

The very glamorous Atlas Bar and Grill will be celebrating its birthday and New Year’s Eve together again for the third time. As this has become a tradition with the truly trendy in Tinseltown, proprietor Mario Tamayo knows he has got to better last year’s gala each time around. Scheduled to entertain those loyal enough to stick with a good thing when they know it is the one and only Eartha Kitt. This evening is always a flashy affair with even the waiters here looking like runway models. Dress to impress. The Atlas Bar and Grill is at 3760 Wilshire Blvd., in Los Angeles. Call (213) 380-8400.

The Los Angeles Biltmore Hotel has three separate events planned for New Year’s Eve 1992. Bernard’s Restaurant will feature a gourmet seven-course meal, a complimentary bottle of Dom Perignon per couple and an open bar with entertainment and dancing to a live band. A special touch commences with the traditional midnight Chef’s toast in the kitchen. The jazzy Grand Ave. Bar will offer dancing to a live band, an open bar with hors d’oeuvres buffet, party favors and a champagne toast at midnight. And finally, the Rendezvous Court will feature entertainment, champagne and cocktails. The Los Angeles Biltmore is downtown at 506 S. Grand Ave. Call (213) 612-1580.

The Regent Beverly Wilshire offers two ways to ring in 1993. This year the ballroom will be the setting for a very black-tie affair with a six-course meal, including champagne and red and white wines. An accompanying five-piece band will perform for a crowd that is guaranteed to hold not just a few celebrities in its midst. Then in the Lobby Lounge, a three-course meal will be served with party favors for all in attendance, along with entertainment by a piano duo. Dress here is formal business attire. The Regent Beverly Wilshire is at 9500 Wilshire Blvd., Beverly Hills. Call (310) 275-5200.

In Orange County, the luxurious Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is planning one very special New Year’s Eve dinner dance. This black-tie affair will include a five-course dinner in the ballroom with complimentary champagne and wine. But the real party begins when Tony Award-winning singer and entertainer Leslie Uggams performs with the Sid James Orchestra for the New Year’s Eve guests. There’ll be plenty of dancing for all you black-tie rug-cutters. The Ritz Carlton Laguna Niguel is at 33533 Ritz Carlton Drive in Dana Point. Call (714) 240-2000.

The Santa Barbara Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel is offering something special this year. With the month of December ringing in the 65th year of the beautiful hotel’s existence, management has planned a re-creation of the opening-night five-course dinner menu from 1927. The black-tie event, including dancing to a four-piece orchestra, takes place in the Marina Restaurant with its fabulous ocean view. The Santa Barbara Four Seasons Biltmore Hotel is at 1260 Channel Drive in Santa Barbara. Call (805) 969-2261.

The historic Hotel Del Coronado on San Diego Bay is the busiest of all the grand hotels mentioned. In the venerable ballroom, a black-tie soiree will take place with entertainment by an as-yet unannounced big name--last year’s performer was Jack Jones. Those of you who want an evening of black-tie jazz to dance to will feel right at home in the Prince of Wales Room with its jazz quartet and vocalist. To all you kids in your 20s and 30s, don’t feel left out. In the famous Crown Room you’ll find Dr. Feel Good and the Interns of Love jamming to R&B;, rock ‘n’ roll and Motown. Finally, on the Ocean Terrace, which overlooks the tennis courts and the Pacific Ocean, a more casual crowd will bop to a rock ‘n’ roll band. Dinners in each room of the Del include champagne. The Hotel Del Coronado is at 1500 Orange Ave. in Coronado. Call (619) 240-2000.