PORTLAND - What are you doing New Year's Eve? It seems this year more people are ready to put 2011 behind and party on with hopes of a better new year ahead.
So far, it's looking promising for bigger celebrations at area restaurants and hotels.
One of the biggest parties is being held at the Hilton in Portland. For the 21st year, Mathew Weber is hosting the Champagne Ball. It's also a fund raiser for Children's Cancer Association.
"Reservations for the Champagne Ball have been though the roof. On a day-to-day basis we could be 68 percent above the same day last year," said Weber.
Reservations started coming in as early as September.
Over at Lippman and Company on SW Yamhhill, business is brisk. This has been a very good year for perhaps the oldest party supply store in Portland.
This year, New Year's Eve decoration sales are up 20 percent. Shoppers are started coming in early this year over last.
"The horns, the tiaras, the hats, the metal noise makers, those have been around for 50 to 60 years at least," said Lippman owner, Steve Lippman.
Restaurants are ready for full tables New Year's Eve. While there is still plenty of room at area eateries, reservations will be picking up leading up to Saturday night.
Greg Higgins, owner and chef at Higgins on SW Jefferson in Portland expects a busy weekend.
"I think we're inching out of the funk we've been in for last couple of years," said Higgins.
The hope now is consumer confidence continues into and throughout 2012.
