As the countdown to the countdown kicks into overdrive, one thing is clear: You’re going to need to plan. If you’re staying in with friends, go for more than just a bowl of chips and last year’s Spotify playlist. These local businesses can steer you down the path to New Year’s Eve party nirvana. Just don’t wait until the last minute:
Eats
Boulevard Bread Co.
1920 N. Grant St., Little Rock, boulevardbread.com
Head to the flagship outpost of this Little Rock bakery to stock up on the makings of a solid cheese board. The Heights store stocks a selection of cheeses, cured meats, crackers, chocolates, jams and more.
Hillcrest Artisan Meats
2807 Kavanaugh Blvd., Ste. B, Little Rock, facebook.com/hillcrestartisanmeats
Small party? Go big with a roast, steaks or sausages. The Hillcrest butcher shop also carries a stock of artisan foods, including chocolates, salami and other midnight snack-worthy goodies.
Brown Sugar Bakeshop
419 E. Third St., Little Rock, brownsugarbakeshop.com
If you’re going to stay up past midnight, you’re going to need the help of some serious sugar. This River Market-area bakery has you covered with oversized cupcakes, cookies and brownies.
More: Sweet Love Bakes, Cupcakes on Kavanaugh, Butcher & Public, Terry’s Finer Foods, The Green Corner Store
Drinks
Blue Canoe Brewing 425 E. Third St., Little Rock, facebook.com/bluecanoebrew
One of the newest additions to the Little Rock brewing scene, this River Market-based microbewery offers about eight of its own brews on draft available for carryout in growler form.
Vino’s Brewpub
923 W. Seventh St., Little Rock, vinosbrewpub.com
The bonus to picking up a few growlers of tried-and-true Vino’s beer for your New Year’s Eve party? Grabbing a slice while you’re waiting for the foam to settle.
Colonial Wines and Spirits
11200 W. Markham St., Little Rock, colonialwineandspirits.com
With one of the largest selections of booze in the metro, this is an easy one-stop option, whether you’ll be toasting with bubbly, beer or both.
More: Diamond Bear Brewing Co., Stone’s Throw Brewing, Springhill Wine & Spirits, Metro Wine & Spirits, 107 Liquor
Decor
The Social Type
5819 Kavanaugh Blvd., Little Rock, thesocialtypelr.com
Because no party is complete without foiled invitations, cute paper plates or sparkly coasters, be sure to stop by this paper-focused Heights store, which stocks a rotating selection of party decor.
Domestic Domestic
5501 Kavanaugh Blvd., Ste. C, Little Rock, domesticdomestic.com
Go all-American with a few new candles or letterpress posters from Domestic Domestic, the new(ish) Heights store that stocks only USA-made goods, including a few Arkansas knickknacks.
Sweet Home Furnishings
1324 S. Main St., Little Rock, sweethomefurnishings.net
Forget buying a “Happy New Year” banner. If your living room needs an end-of-the-year overhaul, try hitting up this SoMa antique and new home furnishings store for some new apothecary jars, a globe, vintage chairs or an end table. It’s never to late to give a Christmas gift to yourself, right?
Sounds
Moxy Modern Mercantile
1419 S. Main St., Little Rock, facebook.com/moxymodernmercantile
This SoMa gift and home-wares store also boasts a nice selection of vintage vinyl for party listening.
Arkansas Record & CD Exchange
4212 MacArthur Drive, North Little Rock, arcd.com
Thinking of putting together a fresh party playlist? Let the staff at this North Little Rock store guide you through their staggering collection of vintage and new-release vinyl records and CDs.
Been Around Records & CDs
1216 S. University Ave., Little Rock, (501) 663-8767
Open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., this spot is a vinyl treasure hunter’s dream.
Arkansas Groove
Ring in 2015 with this all-local playlist compiled by Aaron Sarlo and Kara Bibb of Shoog Radio (and check out our Spotify playlist with some of these and more).
“Coltrane” — Amasa Hines, All the World There Is
“I Just Wanna Be a Star” — The Coasts, Racilia
“Wifi” — The Dangerous Idiots, Frankenbastard
“Poet Song” — Adam Faucett, Blind Water Finds Blind Water
“Give Up, Give In” — Peckerwolf, Peckerwolf EP
“Waiting for June” — The Airplanes, Paper Hearts
“Peleliu” — Sea Nanners, Queen of the Brodeo EP
“Fascination” — Magic Hassle, Magic Hassle EP
“Chills” — Big Piph feat. Justin Paul, Chills
“Cropdust Skies” — Bonnie Montgomery, Bonnie Montgomery
“New Jersey Sheets” — Ch!nese G!rls, Of
“Maria” — Pagiins, Bad Things Don’t
“Humming a Snatch of a Tune” — Burger, Burger
“Just Asking” — Charlie Virgo, Just Asking
“Howlin’” — Family History, Family History
Going out instead? Here's our listing of New Year's Eve parties in the metro
Central Arkansas features an array of parties for revelers looking to ring in 2015 out on the town. From galas, vintage affairs and fine dining to nightclubs, live music and comedy, there is a lot going on this New Year's Eve. Here's a rundown of some of the Dec.