This year, no crazy New Year’s Eve parties for me. Nope this time I decided an intimate NYE affair at my place was the way I wanted to start off 2007. But I know there are a lot of Angelenos out there who want the chaos and huge crowds to make their NYE memorable. For those of you who do want to get all dressed up and pay a hefty price to get in a hot party, may I suggest the following grand fetes?

DASK Productions’ 19th Annual New Year’s Eve Ball: With an anticipated crowd of 5,000 revelers at the Renaissance Hotel at Hollywood and Highland, this looks like the shindig to hit if you want to dress up in cocktail attire, munch on a Wolfgang Puck-catered dinner buffet and gamble at a Las Vegas style casino. But the coolest thing to me is that you get to ring in the New Year while overlooking a gorgeous view spanning from Hollywood Boulevard to Downtown L.A. The thing I don’t like, however, are the cash bars. At these prices, where’s the liquor love? You can reserve a VIP booth or a poolside cabana if you want a place to sit with all your friends (323-874-0716). PRICES: $125 advance online, $150 at the door.

Renaissance Hollywood Hotel & Grand Ballroom
6801 Hollywood Boulevard
Hollywood, California 90028

2nd Annual Gridlock New Year’s Eve: Can’t make it to Times Square this year? Why not brave the craziness that is known as the Paramount lot party instead? Not only is it being hosted by some of L.A.’s hottest promoters like Redlight Productions, Joe Joe Promotions and Hardball Productions, but the Killers will be playing a midnight concert. And, Carmen Electra is hosting the New York Street Area if you’re into her. With six blocks of live bands, djs and an anticipated 6,000 people dancing in the faux streets, it sounds like a chaotic and entertaining way to ring in the new year. My faves about this party apart from the Killers: the ferris wheel in the middle of the “New York “streets, the midnight fireworks show (I’m a sucka for those), and the all-night open bar. PRICES: $125 presale (ends 12/31 1pm), $250 VIP.

Paramount Pictures Studio Lot
5555 Melrose Avenue
Los Angeles, California 90038

Royalty New Year’s Eve: Ring in 2007 in a Hollywood castle. This NYE bash at Castle Ivar boasts three levels of scenic views, dance floors (hip hop, Top 40, ’80s/’90s, dance) and top shelf premium open bars as well as gift bags and even a jacuzzi (although I don’t know who’s going to want to go in there on a chilly night). At this party, you gotta “dress to impress.” Since it’s a castle, there are “only” 600 tickets for sale so you better get ’em now while you still can, especially since this event has sold out for the past two years. PRICES: $125 general, $225 per person for VIP table.

But if you’re looking for low-priced events or concerts to celebrate, check out LA.com’s extensive list.