Welcome to LA! You made the big leap from small town to Hollywood after your pilot got picked up. Congrats to you! I know it’s been crazy – financially, professionally, and socially. New Year’s Eve in LA will be different from all your previous experiences, but let me give you a little advice to help you through the transition.
First, let’s get to the most important question – what to do when the clock strikes midnight. In short, there’s no one size fits all rule. Hugging is optional! You don’t have to hug anyone you don’t want to. It’s totally normal to hug close friends or people you know well, but if you’re more of a handshaker (or just want to give a simple smile and raise a glass), that’s totally fine too. Everyone at the party is in the same boat, trying to figure out the social dynamics. Just relax and let it happen.
As for canapés, it’s easy to get carried away at a party with fancy hors d’oeuvres especially when you’re still getting the hang of the social scene. The key is moderation – eat what feels right but don’t turn it into an all you can eat buffet. It’s about enjoying the party, not just the food. As for bringing a gift, it’s not expected for New Year’s parties unless it’s a close knit gathering or dinner party. A nice bottle of wine or something simple like a box of chocolates could be a nice touch but if you don’t have anything in mind, just showing up with good vibes is what matters most.
Starting conversations with strangers is the hardest part of these events. The good news is in Hollywood people love to talk about themselves! Ask about someone’s work or what they’re working on. If you want to break the ice, something as simple as “How’s your year been?” is an easy opener. You don’t need a witty remark—just be interested in others and the conversation will flow. If you’re still stuck, compliment something they’re wearing or their style and you’ll get a quick chat.
Now, about that clever introduction—don’t worry too much about sounding like a movie character. In reality people appreciate sincerity more than an over-the-top one-liner. Keep it simple with something like, “Hi, I’m Remy, I just moved here from Philadelphia and I’m working on a new TV show,” and then let the conversation flow from there. They’ll probably ask more about your work and the ball will be rolling!
Lastly, don’t stress about trying to create that big moment of the night. New Year’s is really about enjoying the people around you and the best memories are often the spontaneous moments that happen without a ton of pressure. If you want to be lazy, take a break, enjoy the music, have a drink and let yourself get into the social atmosphere. You’ve already done the hardest part by moving to LA and starting your career—let this New Year’s be a time to celebrate how far you’ve come.
We all have awkward moments but that’s half the fun of meeting new people. Just be you.
Cheers to your new adventures in LA and a fantastic New Year ahead!
