Trump cranks up ticket prices for his ‘modern fantasy garden’ party
DETAILS of Donald Trump’s extravagant New Year’s Eve party were revealed yesterday as the president repeated his traditional celebration.
Mr Trump once again threw a party at Mar-a-lago, his Florida golf resort dubbed the “Winter White House”, to see out the year.
Ticket prices were reportedly increased, with members paying up to $600 (£444) compared with $525 last year and guests charged $750 rather than $575.
A glimpse of the event was provided by US media, which detail how previous New Year’s Eve parties there played out. The black tie event, which has been held for more than 20 years, takes place in the resort’s lavish Donald J Trump Grand Ballroom.
Last year, guests entered by a red carpet, were given “Happy New Year” top hats and got the chance to pose for photos with actor Sylvester Stallone.
The four-course meal begun with “Mr Trump’s Wedge Salad” – containing Roquefort, grape tomatoes, bacon and red onion – and finished with baked Alaska and creme anglaise.
Mr Trump – at the time the president-elect – arrived by helicopter and was pictured joining guests on the dance floor with his wife Melania as well as giving an address. The number of estimated attendees varied from 500 to 800. Those with membership – which today costs $200,000 – take most of the tickets.
Previous years have had themes including Seventies, Las Vegas and Moulin Rouge, but a more sober decor is being picked this year.
Steve Levine, co-owner of Jose Graterol Designs of Miami, which is handling the event’s design, told The Washington Post this year’s theme is “modern fantasy garden”. Previous years have also seen menus printed on white chocolate and Donald Trump Jr, whose birthday is on New Year’s Eve, taking part in a conga line.
Guests this year danced along to Party on the Moon, a cover band whose set includes rock, R & B and pop tracks.
And for those partygoers who managed to stay up late, they could expect the same reward as last year: a postmidnight breakfast buffet.