Nightlife

Party On

The Hot List: 2011 Holiday Parties

Holiday parties. They’re closer than you think. Here are five of our favorite spots to throw them this year.

FOR THE MULTI-OFFICE BLOWOUT

The AFH EpiCenter

You Require: A place big enough for all of your company’s various satellite offices.
You’ll Receive: A sprawling, high-ceilinged, 5,000-square-foot space that was a finalist for “Most Beautiful Building” by the Boston Society of Architects. Stock it with multiple bars, theater-style seating and a monster dance floor.

FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

The Luxury Suite at Hotel Commonwealth

You Require: Luxe, parlor-style imbibing. And oysters.
You’ll Receive: Killer views of the Back Bay, a 55-inch plasma and the option for an in-room raw bar from Island Creek Oyster Bar, as well as bar stars from Eastern Standard. Oh, and four separate bedrooms to escape to.

FOR A CHINESE NEW YEAR

The Apothecary Room at Red Lantern

You Require: Someplace Zen, with a nightclub’s energy.
You’ll Receive: A sexy hot spot to bring 150 friends and spread them between the brick-y Apothecary Room and the raised dining area next to it (ideal for the sushi buffet). Join them together for team-building over scorpion bowls.

FOR THE AD EXECS

The Avery Bar at the Ritz

You Require: A ’50s, Mad Men-y vibe.
You’ll Receive: A roaring fireplace. Neo-1950s leather and marble decor. Stiff gin martinis. And a fresh take on Girl Scout cookies. The perfect place to spend some time with that intern. You know, that intern.

FOR THE STARTUP

The Coffee Bar at Area Four

You Require: Something hip in Cambridge.
You’ll Receive: The entire coffee-bar side of the space, closed off by a reclaimed barn door from the Berkshires. Your sustenance: Wellfleet Clam and Bacon Pizzas, growlers of New England craft beers and (what the hell) an entire roasted goat.