If you're stuck for what to do on New Year's Eve, you're not alone - I'm still deciding myself. But the good news is the world is your oyster! From the Sydney fireworks to New York's Times Square ball-drop and from Rio de Janeiro in Brazil to Hong Kong, the world's best New Year's Eve events are less than a week away. Whether it's a small intimate dinner or a large event, I know the best parties around the world which deserve your attention.

1. Times Square, New York

   New Year's Eve doesn't get much bigger than this. It's not for the faint hearted, not least because of the near-freezing weather, but it's a chance to be part of a huge event. Nearly one million revellers queue throughout the afternoon to take their spot in Manhattan's Times Square. Take your place in history and watch the ball drop at midnight.

2. Sydney Fireworks, Australia

   Be amongst the first to see in 2011, not to mention the world's best fireworks. Focused on the famous Sydney Harbour Bridge, there are views of the fireworks on both sides of the harbour. There's a family-friendly display at 9pm and the big event at midnight. Some of the best views are from the water, or elsewhere from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Take a picnic, grab a spot early and enjoy the evening sunshine.

3. France

   The French have a totally different take on New Year's Eve, which they call La Saint-Sylvestre, a dinner feast amongst friends and family. Naturally the French do what they do best - quaff champagne, enjoy fois gras and oysters and celebrate good company. Something we can all appreciate. Equally family-friendly and kind to couples, the French bring quiet understatement to New Year's Eve.

4. Chinese New Year, Beijing, Hong Kong and Singapore

   To keep the party going long into the western new year, Chinese celebrate Chinese New Year for fifteen days. Its start is determined by the moon and 2011, the year of the rabbit, will be ushered in on February 3rd. In Hong Kong and Singapore, as well as mainland China, well-wishers exchange lai see, red envelopes of money. The evening itself ends with a child-friendly Lantern Festival, where children carry lanterns followed by a large family dinner. In Hong Kong the evening ends with a huge fireworks display in the harbour. The best views are from Tsim Sha Tsui near the Star Ferry pier. The highlight in Singapore is the Chingay Parade of floats, on 11th and 12th February 2011.

5. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

   If you've missed the New Year's Eve boat, don't worry. The world's biggest party doesn't take place until late February. Think of a street party and you'll instantly think of Rio and Carnival. A six-day party, the centrepiece is two evenings at the Sambadrome, a grandstanded runway which hosts the leading samba schools' parades. They compete for the prize of best samba school and that's where the action is. Tickets are mandatory. The Masquerade Ball is similarly compelling.

Top tips to celebrate New Year's Eve wherever you are:

• Don't skimp: Everything costs more at this time of year, that's just the way it is. It only happens once a year so just go for it and enjoy yourself.
• Plan ahead: I like to go with the flow as much as possible, but this one's too important to get wrong. Have a venue, a ticket or a booking and know who's coming. Having a Plan B is a good idea.
• Remember who you're with: A club isn't everyone's idea of a great time, nor is a sedate evening at home. New Year's Eve is all about being with the people you care about, so let that inspire your evening.

Have a very happy new year, I'll see you all on the other side of the party. Not too early though, it's going to be a late one!