MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — Holiday get-togethers are ramping up.

With New Year’s next up, we got tips from the experts on how to plan the perfect party.

At Axel’s Bonfire in Eagan, GM Andrew Rowland knows how to cater to clients. And he’s ready to break down his secrets, so you can easily entertain at home.

No. 1: Jazz up the ordinary.

“Make your typical veggie tray more exciting,” he said.

No. 2: Make sure you have food prepped before people arrive.

“The more legwork you can do on the front end, will help your party and keeps the headaches out of it,” he said.

No. 3: Make a cocktail that’s tasty and not too strong.

No. 4: Learn the latest trend of infusing cocktails with a fruit twist.

No. 5: If you want to scrap all the work, make reservations now.

“We are seeing a lot of holiday parties and my New Year’s reservations are filling up right now,” he said.