Tips to keeping the night festive -- and fun!

Thanks to your newly acquired pad, the duty of New Year's Eve has fallen on you. So you've got the place, you've got the food -- now all you need are the tunes. It's tricky business picking just the right songs for the big party -- and you'd hate to ring in the new year all wrong! Here are a few guidelines to follow to keep your party rocking in the new year.

Save the Best for Last
Of course you're excited and you want to kick the party off with a bang, but don't whip out the heavy artillery until later. Start with something catchy but not something full of energy. Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" has a good rhythm but isn't super fast to get the people all riled up too soon.

Mix it Up
You may be a huge fan of indie rock, but your party guests might not be. Even if the majority of your friends all agree, the music at your party shouldn't be meant for everyone to gather round and have a listening party -- you want to get people excited! If you want to include indie hits, go with something upbeat like Le Tigre's "TKO."

Surefire
Even your most punk rock and hip hop friends will love hearing some familiar radio hits. If you think you're getting away without playing Beyonce's "Single Ladies" this year, then you might want to rethink even having the party! Other great choices are old hits that will make everyone stop and say, "OMG! I remember this song!" Even your mohawked friend will belt out the words to Montell Jordan's "This is How We Do It."

Keep it Lively
Yes, you and your friends all find meaning in Bright Eyes' "First Day of My Life." But save that slow ditty for your next road trip. Instead, go for something super festive and recognizable, especially toward the middle of the party when things start to slow down some. If you want to infuse your musical tastes with the crowd pleasers, you can't go wrong with a cover. New Found Glory's version of "King of Wishful Thinking" will have everyone singing along.

End it with a Bang
When the ball has dropped, whip out the one that will bring it on home. Thrive off the energy of the new year. Right after everyone has had their New Year's kiss, throw on the last tune of the night -- and make it count. Make it something everyone can sing along to and will go for broke with, like Fall Out Boy's "Thanks For the Memories."

Tell us, what songs are on your New Year's Eve mix?