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Glamorous event planners Candice Chan and Alison Slight share their tips for ringing in 2018 in an opulent fashion

Candice Chan (left) and Alison Slight. Renata Kevah

Not since the end of, well, 2016 has there been a reason to raise a goodbye glass to an utterly grim year. But onwards and upwards as they say, and who better to help steer us right than Candice Chan and Alison Slight, the duo behind Candice and Alison, a Toronto-based events planning and management group responsible for some of the most decadent affairs in the country. "No matter the scale or budget of a party, basic house party rules will always apply: good crowd, good music, plenty of offerings and an inclusive vibe," Chan says.

In the past year, the duo masterminded more than 80 events from luxe private dinners to large-scale charity bashes such as the Power Plant's annual blowout, Power Ball. After a year in the spotlight, they are finally ready to kick back. "This might sound strange, but you know how they say, if you work at McDonald's, the last thing you want to eat is McDonald's? This also applies to us," Slight says. "Because we plan so many events parties all year, we tend to be pretty low key and unplanned in our personal lives when it comes to the end of the year. New Year's Eve is always best spent in the homes of family and best friends or travelling."

If you are, however, ready to take your own bash to the next level, here are some essentials as selected by the duo.

Versace China

"This Versace plate is not only the epitome of luxury, but with the debut of The Assassination of Gianni Versace: American Crime Story next year, it's also an amazing conversation starter."

I (heart) Baroque black 18 cm plate, $90 at select Versace boutiques (versace.com).

Sugarfina gummies

"These gummies are made with Dom Perignon Vintage Champagne in mixed brut and rosé flavours, which is unexpected and sophisticated."

Champagne Bears, $25.95 for a large candy cube through sugarfina.ca.

Gold rimmed flutes

"The tulip flute's shape is the best way to drink Champagne. It allows for better control of bubbles and development of aromatics. The thin gold rim is an elegant touch for celebrations."

Belmont gold rim crystal champagne flutes, $45 for two at Cocktail Emporium (cocktailemporium.com).

Gold sparkling wine

"Bring a little Jay-Z to your party with bubbly in beautifully designed metallic bottles."

Bottega Gold Prosecco, $27.95 at the LCBO in Ontario (lcbo.com).

Holographic lipstick

"If you somehow find glitter too basic, try holographic lipstick on for size. It's edgy, fashion-forward and made by Rihanna."

Fenty Beauty by Rihanna, Starlit Hyper-Glitz Lipstick in $upanova and Gravity, $24 each at Sephora (sephora.com).

Glitter

"Get your face party ready with this multipurpose glitter. Swipe over the lids of a dark smokey eye matched with a matte lip, or press onto a lined lip matched with a nude eye. For a subtler look, lightly dust over décolletage."

NYX Metallic Glitter, $6.50 each at NYX boutiques (nyxcosmetics.com).


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