Ultra-Exclusive New Year's Eve Parties

Author Lauren Sherman for Forbes.com

The New Year's Eve party at CatHouse lounge and restaurant, opening Dec. 29 in Las Vegas, will include a champagne toast, menu by chef Kerry Simon (of Simon Kitchen and Bar at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino), and the chance to schmooze with celebrity guests including Mischa Barton...

Why ship in a celebrity? Because regular folk will follow.

Attending a star-studded party allows one "to brag to their friends," says Nathan Ellis, creative director and founder of Syndicate, the Manhattan-based public relations and events company, behind the soirée at CatHouse. "These are not cast members from The Hills here. These are big, A-list people."

Promoters like Ellis use other tricks to hype their events. Take cost. By charging revelers hundreds to get in the door, they keep out all but those with bulging bank accounts. Tickets to these parties might cost up to $250; this fee typically includes a champagne toast at midnight. But head to the 40/40 Club in Las Vegas, and you'll pay a $700 entry fee. If you're keen on reserving a table there, be prepared to fork over at least $1,000 per person. And that's before alcohol is added to the tab. At The Bank down the strip, $10,000 gets you a table, three bottles of the premium liquor of your choice, three complimentary bottles of Dom Perignon and a personal service team for eight people...

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