It's that time of year again. All your friends are married or in committed relationships and have 'plans' for the festive season sewn up.

You're having a drought period after the romance with the Promising Prospect who, it seems, didn't understand the concept of 'exclusive relationship' after all.

Well, there's nothing like a disappointment to put you in the spirit for moving swiftly into the arms of the next Mr Perfect - or Mr Perfect for New Year's Eve, anyway.

Where's the party?

No idea where to go to celebrate New Year's Eve? Ask around your good friends. Who's organising a party? It's amazing how many times your best friends have other friends who know someone who's throwing a big bash - and, who knows, there may just be someone there who's gorgeous and looking for love.

If you'd like a little more certainty than that, and you have a few other single friends, check out the following:

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• Singles events are being held at restaurants, hotels and the big clubs that include dinner, casinos and DJs well into the early hours.



• Speed-dating events offer a 'lock and key' party, digital photo wall, DJs, and, of course, speed-dating - as well as an after-party follow-up so you can check out anyone who caught your eye.



• Don't knock internet dating. There are some good men out there!



• If something more exotic takes your fancy, head to warmer climes on singles-only holidays. If you want to guarantee a young crowd and a LOT of fun, take a look at Exodus or Contiki, who offer youth-oriented adventure and culture breaks.

New Year, new you

Whatever you do, don't wait till New Year to make those resolutions. Make sure you look fabulous NOW. If you want to feel that unparalleled fizz of confidence on New Year's Eve, you've got to feel good about how you look.

You want to be nothing short of stunning. If you want to lose a few pounds, avoid lunch out with the girls at the Thai restaurant and get organised with bite-sized pieces of fruit, green salad and bottles of water.

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Tear up the take-away menus. Stride purposefully past the ready-meals section. Power-walk to the shops. Upgrade to two boxercise classes a week.

In just a few short weeks, you'll be able to dispense with the magic knickers and embrace something seductively balconette.

Tonight's the night

You are exfoliated and polished to within an inch of your life and wearing enough of this season's gold to sparkle - you won't fail to charm the pants off Tall, Dark and Handsome.

So much of attraction is about attitude. Some of the tips below may seem to be easier said than done, but it's all in the mind. If you consciously tell yourself that you're attractive and interesting, it's much more likely to be true. Your confidence may have taken a bit of a kicking recently, but to get back in the game you've got to put on a great performance.

Top tips for seduction success:

• Smile! Be bright and witty, but not sharp. An obliging and fun sense of humour is an attractive quality.



• Be interested and interesting. Be positive about yourself - after all, you have lots to say. And when he talks about himself, take an interest. He'll remember you for it.



• Walk. Again, it's a confidence thing. People notice someone who walks into a room with self-assurance - and a sexy swing of the hips.



• Clothes. It's about attitude. Wear something that lets everyone know what a sexy, sophisticated person you are. Be appropriate: don't flaunt it too much - but just enough to hint at what you've got.



• Magnetism and charm. Well, if you can carry off the above, then you have these in abundance. Show them off!

Pulling it off

Great. It's a few minutes past midnight on New Year's Eve - and you've pulled! Congratulations! Who knows? Maybe the evening is going to last through to breakfast and beyond.

But before you get too carried away, do a quick safety check. If you're leaving the party with someone new, make sure your friends know where you are going - and that they know who you're with.

Have some champagne - it'd be rude not to - but don't drink too much and keep an eye on your glass at all times. We all make drunken mistakes - especially at this time of year - but remain self-aware.

Finally, be gorgeous, have fun and be safe. And make this the New Year's Eve fling to remember.