Holidays

Don't forget about your stocking stuffers as you shop for your holiday gifts. Homemade stocking stuffers are a fun, thoughtful way to show your loved ones that you're thinking about them. Our real estate agents suggest checking out these DIY stocking stuffer ideas. 

1. Homemade Playdough
   Playdough isn't just for kids; teens and adults enjoy creating figures and shapes for stress relief and artistic entertainment. You can whip up a batch of playdough after exploring Bradenton homes for sale in just a few minutes with a simple recipe. Grab a pretty jar or storage container, and your gift is ready to go.
   
   
2. Homemade Sugar Scrub
   A DIY sugar scrub is an excellent way to soothe rough, dry skin. Combine a cup of sugar with two cups of coconut oil, along with 15 drops of essential oils. Peppermint or lavender are popular options. You can gift a large batch or divide it into smaller containers for multiple stocking stuffers.
   
   
3. Chocolate-Covered Spoon
   Chocolate-covered spoons are a delicious addition to a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. You can cover disposable spoons with chocolate and sprinkles, or you may opt for a reusable spoon that the recipient can add to their at-home coffee bar. Just melt the chocolate and dip the spoon. While the chocolate is wet, add any flavor accompaniments, like sprinkles, crushed peppermint, drizzled peanut butter, nuts, or mini marshmallows. Make sure to make a couple for yourself so that you can relax with a tasty beverage after viewing Sarasota homes for sale. 
   
   
4. Homemade Hot Cocoa Mix
   Mix up a batch of your favorite homemade hot chocolate and house it in small jars. You can add a small card with preparation instructions and a small bag of marshmallows to complete your stocking stuffer. 
   
   
5. A Paperclip Bookmark
   Have a friend or family member who's always folding down their book's pages to save their spots? Make them a paperclip bookmark by tying a small tassel or ribbon to a large paperclip. 
   
   
6. Candy Bottles
   Grab a small glass bottle with a lid and fill it with the recipient's favorite candy. Or, try a holiday favorite, like Hershey's hug kisses, holiday M and Ms, Snowcaps, or festive gummy candies. 
   
   
7. Holiday-Themed Mini Candles
   Holiday-themed mini candles are simple and fun to make. Head to your local craft store, and pick up your favorite color of candle wax. Prepare it according to the instructions, and use small holiday-inspired cookie cutters to make your candles. 
   
   
8. Photo Magnets
   To make photo magnets, print out your desired photos and mount them to a mat board. Cut each magnet out using scissors. Cover them with a layer of Mod-Podge or another protective sealant and attach a strip of magnetic tape to the back. 
   
   
9. Polka Dot Pencils
   Polka dot pencils make it fun to write and take notes. Pick up a pack of pencils and spray paint them your desired color. Use a Sharpie pen or marker to add the polka dots. 

Wish that your home had more space for holiday festivities and craft sessions? Contact us to search for your next home!

Whether you're throwing a holiday party or preparing for a relaxing evening at home, a holiday charcuterie board is a delicious addition to your festivities. Our real estate agents suggest following this guide to help you create a tasty holiday charcuterie board. 

• Select Your Charcuterie Board
  You'll need a slab or flat board to house your foods and spreads. While some people use their charcuterie board as a decorative piece, others focus more on functionality. You can invest in a handsome wood or marble charcuterie board, or if you've only got a little time, you can use one of your baking sheets. Make sure your board is suitably-sized for the number of people you plan to serve. A small board is sufficient when preparing for a quiet evening at home. You'll want a board approximately 20 by 15 inches for a larger crowd to ensure you have ample space for everything. 

• Decide What You Want to Include
  There are no limitations on what you can and can't include on your holiday charcuterie board. You can even create a themed charcuterie board that's perfect for celebrating the holidays after you check out Sarasota homes for sale or after exploring Bradenton homes for sale. Most people include a few types of meat; pepperoni, smoked salmon, turkey, ham, and salami are a few possibilities.
  
  Add two to three ounces of meat for each person when arranging a snack board and five to six ounces per person for a meal board. Next, decide what kind of cheese you want to incorporate. Select a mix of hard and soft cheeses for variety and better visual appeal. See that your cheeses coordinate well with your meats.
  
  Spreads and dips are essential for any charcuterie board. Jellies, jams, mustard, relish, ranch, and cheese spreads are just a few alternatives. Include items that can be used to sample the dips, like veggies, fruit, crackers, pretzels, cookies, and bread. Other popular charcuterie items include pickles, olives, nuts, dark chocolate, and milk chocolate candy. Once you know what food items your board will include, you can choose your bowls and spreaders. Look for bowls and spreaders that coordinate with your holiday decor or help set your desired ambiance. 

• Arrange Your Board
  To arrange your charcuterie board, begin by placing the dips on the board. Next, lay out your meats and cheeses, putting coordinating flavors next to each other. Place fruits, veggies, crackers, and other items near the dips people are most likely to use them with. Keep wet items (like pickles and olives) away from dry foods (such as crackers and bread). Use fruit, veggies, and wrapped candy to fill any sparse areas of your charcuterie board. 

A charcuterie board is a fast, versatile option for a holiday meal or snack. Interested in purchasing a home with more space for your holiday festivities? Or a new kitchen perfect for creating your holiday dishes? Contact us to get started with your search!

Halloween is just around the corner! This time of year, it's so much fun to carve pumpkins, make costumes, and of course, go trick-or-treating. Don't let the magic of Halloween be overshadowed by an accident or injury. Our real estate agents have some important tips to help keep everyone in your family safe and well this Halloween season.

• Put Reflector Strips on Costumes
  Add a few strips of reflective tape to your child's costume. You really only need four: one along the back and front of each leg. This will ensure drivers can see your child as they're walking down the sidewalk. If you're trick-or-treating in an area that's not well-lit, consider attaching clip-on lights to everyone, too.
  
  
• Put Phones Away
  Unfortunately, there are a lot of distracted drivers on Halloween. And even a responsible driver, understandably, might hit you if you accidentally step out into traffic. Minimize the risk of such accidents by keeping your phone in your pocket while you're trick-or-treating. Make sure your kids do the same. The social media updates and shared photos can wait till you get home. 
  
  
• Stick to Familiar Areas
  It can be tempting to explore a new neighborhood as you trick-or-treat, but it's safer to stay in neighborhoods you know well. You and your kids will be more familiar with the traffic flow. You're less likely to get lost or confused, and you'll see more people you know along the way.
  
  
• Make Sure Costumes Fit
  Costumes don't need to fit perfectly, but they should not be so big or long that they drag on the ground and present a tripping hazard. You also don't want the sleeves so long that your child will struggle to hold onto their candy bucket or turn a door handle. So, when possible, have your kids try on their costumes before you buy them.
  
  
• Drive Slowly and Carefully
  You can also keep others safe by doing your part and driving extra carefully on Halloween. Slow down, especially in residential neighborhoods. Turn the music off or down so you can focus. Don't look at your phone while driving, and make sure your kids know they need to be quiet so you can focus behind the wheel.
  
  If you're wearing a costume, make sure it's one that you can drive comfortably and safely in. You may want to drive in normal clothing and change into your costume at the destination.
  
  
• Stay With Younger Kids and Designate a Meeting Space
  Teenagers can often go trick-or-treating alone. But you should always accompany younger kids. Also, agree on a meetup place. This should be a familiar place that's easy to reach. If anyone does get separated from the group, they can go to the meeting place and meet back up with you there.

With the safety tips above, you can have a happy and safe Halloween. If you're still looking for Bradenton homes for sale or Sarasota homes for sale, don't hesitate to contact us. We can guide you through the process of looking for a home for sale and making an offer.

This is the perfect time of year to gather in your kitchen and bake some cookies. Not only are the winter holidays quickly approaching, but December 18th is Bake Cookies Day! So, pull out that mixer, stock up on flour, and check out some of these cookie recipes our real estate agents recommend.

• Gingerbread Biscotti
  Gingerbread is a classic choice in the winter, and this Gingerbread Biscotti recipe is a tasty riff on the old standby. The recipe makes 24 biscotti — enough for sharing — and comes together in less than 90 minutes. The molasses gives these biscotti a rich flavor, and of course, plenty of ginger makes them irresistible alongside a mug of coffee or hot chocolate.
  
  
• Penguin Slice-and-Bake Cookies
  If you have kids, these Penguin Slice-and-Bake Cookies are sure to be a favorite. The recipe tells you how to prepare the dough and assemble it into a long cylinder. Refrigerate and later slice to yield adorable penguins. The cookies themselves are tender and sweet with that classic sugar cookie flavor.
  
  
• Mini Linzer Cookies
  Take a break from looking at Sarasota homes for sale, and whip up a batch of these Mini Linzer Cookies. They're a traditional cookie that will take you back to a simpler time. The recipe was created by none other than Ina Garten herself. It calls for raspberry preserves, but you could use apricot or blueberry preserves if you happen to have them on hand.
  
  
• Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Shortbread
  Some people love shortbread, and others find it bland. But this kicked-up version, Chocolate-Dipped Hazelnut Shortbread, is sure to bring a smile to your face. Not only do these cookies taste delicious, but they also look attractive when presented in a bowl or mug with their chocolate-dipped ends pointing upward. The recipe makes one dozen biscotti, which is just enough if you don't want a sugar overload.
  
  
• Monster Marshmallow Cookies
  If you're tired from spending the day looking at Bradenton homes for sale, then these Monster Marshmallow Cookies are the perfect ones to make. The recipe is easy to follow and only takes about 20 minutes to prep. The cookies themselves are extra large and loaded with crisped rice, pecans, chocolate chips, and mini marshmallows.
  
  
• Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies
  If you find gingersnaps to be a bit too hard and crunchy, you'll like these Soft and Chewy Ginger Cookies. The sugar coating gives them just a hint of crispiness. Just make sure you plan ahead since the dough does need to chill for at least two hours, and preferably overnight.
  
  
• Chocolate Crinkle Cookies
  These Chocolate Crinkle Cookies have a fudgy center, and they're rolled in powdered sugar for a lovely, crackled look. The recipe is surprisingly simple. The decadent cocoa powder makes the cookies nice and rich. You need to chill the dough for 2 hours, but the results are worth the wait.
  
  
• Snowball Cookies
  Even in Florida, where the holidays tend to be green, Snowball Cookies are a tried-and-true favorite. This recipe makes delicious ones loaded with walnuts, although you could substitute toasted pecans if desired. Dusting the cookies with powdered sugar twice, as advised in this recipe, results in a thicker and sturdier coating that won't fluff away.

Make sure you set aside time to celebrate Bake Cookies Day this year! It's the perfect reason to use your kitchen this holiday season. If you're new to the area and still looking for a place to do all your holiday baking, contact us to learn more about our real estate services.

Thanksgiving is a time to gather with family and friends and enjoy a delicious meal together. If you're watching your weight, you'll be glad to know that you don't necessarily have to load up on unhealthy foods. 

Many of our real estate agents love to cook. When they weren't busy showing buyers all the great Sarasota homes for sale, they spent some time looking for delicious healthy recipes you can prepare this Thanksgiving. Take a look at some of the ideas below. By lightening up the menu, you can make sure that this year the only thing that will be stuffed on Thanksgiving Day is the turkey! 

• Roasted Butternut Squash Soup
  This delicious butternut squash soup makes the perfect starter for Thanksgiving dinner. You can give it a healthy twist by swapping out the heavy cream for equally tasty coconut milk. Even better, if you use pre-cut butternut squash, you can make this recipe in just five minutes! That's a real lifesaver when you're already spending the bulk of the day in the kitchen. 

• Shrimp Cocktail 
  Enjoying a healthy appetizer before dinner can help keep you from over-eating when you sit down for the main meal. Shrimp cocktail is an easy and festive dish that has a low-calorie count. Steam your shrimp in spices and make your own cocktail sauce instead of buying the pre-made version from the store - you'll be glad you did! 
  
  
• Roasted Sweet Potatoes with Honey and Cinnamon
  Instead of making a traditional sweet potato casserole that's loaded with brown sugar and marshmallows, try these roasted sweet potatoes with honey and cinnamon. They still have plenty of sweetness but without all the added sugar. This super-simple recipe only takes a few minutes to prepare and is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. 

• Healthy Mashed Potatoes
  Most people agree that Thanksgiving dinner wouldn't be the same without mashed potatoes. But, you can make a healthy version that doesn't involve two sticks of butter. This recipe substitutes regular milk for heavy cream and adds just enough butter to make the dish taste delicious without being overly fatty. Top your potatoes with some fresh chives for a little extra dash of color and flavor. 
  
  
• Maple Bacon Brussels Sprouts
  When you try these maple bacon Brussels sprouts, you'll have a hard time believing they're actually good for you! This decadent-tasting dish gets its flavor from real maple syrup, bacon, and cayenne pepper. Also, if you think you don't like Brussels sprouts, you probably just haven't had them cooked the right way - so do yourself a favor and try them out. 

• Healthy Cranberry Sauce
  It's a great idea to skip the sugar-laden canned cranberry sauce and make your own instead. This easy cranberry sauce recipe calls for only three ingredients - fresh cranberries, maple syrup, and orange juice. If you want to make it extra special, add a bit of cinnamon and vanilla extract as well. 

If you're looking for the perfect Florida home this Thanksgiving season, the agents at Wagner Realty are here to help. We have the inside scoop on all the best Sarasota and Bradenton homes for sale, so don't delay. Contact us today to discuss your goals and get started! 

Nothing warms the heart like a home that's decorated for the holidays. Decorating your home doesn't have to mean spending a fortune on impersonal, store-bought decorations. Even the most quintessential holiday decoration, a wreath, can be made at home with a little time and creativity.

Our real estate agents have noticed that a little bit of tasteful holiday decoration goes a long way when it comes to making a good impression with potential homebuyers. Whether you're selling or looking for a way to personalize your own home, break out the crafting supplies, and add some holiday cheer with these tips.

Find the Right Form

At the core of most wreaths is a form to give it shape. What you use depends on what your wreath is made of. For instance, many wreaths have a metal form that's useful for wiring greenery to. You can also find styrofoam wreath forms that can be spray painted or have decorations, such as jewels, glued to them. Even a cardboard cutout can provide the foundation for a wreath, with the right three-dimensional ornaments affixed to it.

Use Nature's Own Supplies

You can't go wrong with a traditional evergreen wreath, and you'll find many Bradenton homes for sale with these types of decorations hung on their doors. Finding materials for such a wreath could be as simple (and as cheap) as taking a walk. Collect small, thin evergreen branches that can be easily affixed to your wreath, as well as other potential decor, such as pine cones. Do make sure you have permission before you go stripping branches off someone else's trees, though, and try not to take too many from one tree.

Repurpose Like a Pro

If a more traditional wreath doesn't appeal to you, you can make a free or inexpensive holiday wreath by repurposing everyday items. For instance, holiday fabric (perhaps from those holiday pajamas you never liked?) can be used to cover a styrofoam wreath form, or other holiday items such as ornaments or holiday cookie cutters can be grouped to form a wreath shape. Don't forget to finish it off with some pretty ribbon!

Tie It All Together

Once you have an idea for your wreath, the real trick is to put it into action. Choosing a sturdy way of putting everything together will ensure your wreath lasts the season, especially if it's expected to get knocked around a bit. Sarasota homes for sale get a lot of showings, so make your wreath strong if it'll hang on the door of your home while it's on the market! When well done, a wreath that is wired together can easily stand the test of time. While it's quick and easy, remember that hot glue is simply melted plastic and won't withstand a lot of rough handling. Other glues tend to weaken over time and may not be ideal for wreaths you want to reuse in future years.

The holidays are exciting, and nothing gets you in the mood to celebrate quite like decorating. Feeling overwhelmed at the thought of selling your home during the busy holiday season? Contact us today, and one of our agents can take some of that weight off your shoulders.

The holidays are a season of giving, and our real estate agents are always on the lookout for new ways to give back to our local community. This year, with so many families in the Sarasota and Bradenton areas suffering from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for help is greater than ever. 

Whether you're a long-time resident of the area or are looking at Sarasota homes for sale and Bradenton homes for sale, we're excited to share ways to help. Please consider some of these opportunities to give back this holiday season!

1. Give to a Toy Drive
   As a child, one of the great joys of the holiday season is the thrill of unwrapping gifts on Christmas morning. That's why participating in a local toy drive is a great way to give back and share some joy with a child in need. No matter where you live, chances are, there's a toy drive in your area. Here in Sarasota, the 4th Annual Toy Drive, hosted by the Sarasota sheriff's office, or the local chapter of the Marine Toys for Tots program, helping children in need since 1947. 
   
   
2. Give the Gift of Warmth
   Far too many people must face winter without the warm clothing they need. Donating unused winter coats to a winter coat drive is a great way to give someone the warmth and security they need this holiday season. Here in the Sarasota and Bradenton area, the annual Facing Homelessness coat drive collects much-needed winter coats for the homeless every December. 
   
   
3. Donate Blood
   Blood and platelet donations are always in need, but many people forget about it during the holiday season because their attention is turned to other charities and causes. But the American Red Cross is always in need of donations, and the winter is actually one of the seasons of greatest need. Giving blood at a local blood drive this time of year is a life-saving gift that directly helps those who need it most.
   
   
4. Donate to a Food Pantry
   No one should go without, especially during the holiday season. Donating canned goods and similar non-perishable food items to a food pantry or food bank is a great way to help. This is more true in 2020 than ever before. Check out this directory of food pantries and similar charities in the Sarasota area to learn more about where you can give. 
   
   
5. Give to the Boys and Girls Club
   For more than 150 years, the Boys and Girls Clubs of America have helped create brighter futures for children in need. This nationwide charity network does so by providing quality voluntary after-school programs for kids who may not otherwise have access to them. Our local Boys and Girls Clubs of Sarasota County can always use your assistance, and there are many ways to give. Financial donations are always much appreciated, but you can also volunteer your time, just as essential. 

Contact us today to learn more about life in Sarasota and Manatee Counties. If you're looking for your dream home, our team is here to help every step of the way. We're also thrilled to offer some unique ways to give back to the community we love.

'Tis the season for giving, and our real estate agents invite you to join our shop small initiative. Our local businesses support our communities economically and socially. Without them, Sarasota and Manatee Counties just wouldn't feel like home. Let's support our friends, family members, and neighbors by purchasing gifts from these local shops.

Gifts for the Outdoor Enthusiast…

Living in Florida means living outside for most of the year. If you have someone on your gift list that loves the outdoors, you can't go wrong with a gift card to Surfer Bus. Located around the block from Anna Maria homes for sale, this kayak rental service makes it effortless to get out onto the open water. For those who prefer to stay on land, Zegway by the Bay is a better bet. This unique company offers Segway tours around local towns near our Holmes Beach homes for sale. If you're looking to hit the town in style, consider a gift certificate to Longboat Limousine. Cruising from our Longboat Key homes for sale throughout Sarasota and Manatee Counties, you can simply enjoy a luxurious ride with million-dollar views of the Gulf of Mexico.

Gifts for the Foodie…

Who doesn't love good food? Gift the foodie in your life a gift certificate to Jennings Downtown Provisions. A favorite destination of those who moved into Bradenton homes for sale, Jennings is a restaurant and bar specializing in great eats like tacos and flatbread. The Bradenton Farmer's Market is another fantastic place where a single gift card will fill them with the best local flavors.

Gifts for Lovers of All Things Local…

The Original Sand Dollar and Sun & Surf Beach Shop have various gifts that fit perfectly under the tree. If you're seeking something unique, you'll find several one-of-a-kind, locally-owned, giftshops near our Sarasota homes for sale, like Artisans' World Marketplace, Maker's Market, and The Bazaar on Apricot & Lime. Or you can think outside the box and pair a foodie gift card from above with a trip to the theatre. 

Gifts that Celebrate the Arts and Nature…

While some nonprofit shops may not have gift certificates for purchase, you can gift tickets or memberships to some of our local museums like The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art, Selby Gardens, and Sarasota Art Museum.

Gifts to Benefit A Favorite Cause...

It's a time of increased need throughout our community, which makes it a great time to give the gift of support. We also encourage you to consider gifts that help nonprofits in the Sarasota and Manatee Counties. If you aren't sure which non-profit you would like to support, visit The Giving Partner website. The Giving Partner, presented by the Community Foundation of Sarasota County, helps local nonprofits tell their story and enables you to explore how each nonprofit is making a difference in our neighbors' lives. The Giving Partner database contains over 700 profiles of 501(c)(3) charitable organizations serving Sarasota, Manatee, Charlotte, and DeSoto counties.

If you're interested in buying or selling homes in Manatee or Sarasota Counties this holiday season, feel free to contact us. For more gift giving inspiration, be sure to check out our collection of short videos.

Decorating your entryway can be an easy, fun way to shift into the fall season without exerting too much effort. It's a smaller space so that you can create an effect with just a few accents. Maybe you're expecting company, but you're too busy to decorate the whole house, or you're expecting potential buyers to visit since you've listed your home among Sarasota homes for sale or Bradenton homes for sale. Why not just focus on the entryway, and say it all with a great first impression?

We're sure you'll love these tips for fall entryways that will dazzle your company.

1. Start with a Bench 
   You need a bench -- or something like it -- in your entryway, no matter what the season. If you've already got a nice entryway table or hall tree, so much the better. Metal, wood, wicker -- whatever suits your style. This piece of furniture will be the stage for all your decorating efforts. Here's where you change your seasonal pillows. Display your decorative gourds and pumpkins on top of it or under it. 
   
   
2. Chalk it up
   What could be simpler for wishing your visitors well than a fall greeting on a chalkboard? Think your artistic skills aren't up to the mark? Go online and look for some simple examples of chalkboard art, and you'll be surprised at how well you can do by just imitating and adapting. Your message and art can welcome visitors but can also be directional, as in, "Follow the pumpkins to the kitchen for Fall fun," or "This way to hot apple cider."
   
   
3. Did We Mention Pillows?
   A changing cast of seasonal pillows is an easy way to mark the passage of the seasons. Set the mood: spooky, fun, festive -- you decide. If you're handy with the sewing machine, you can make seasonal covers to slip over the pillows as the mood strikes you. For fall, you can, of course, go with traditional orange, cinnamon, and rust, but you can also jazz things up with a vivid purple or a striking green. 
   
   
4. Go Vertical
   Make use of the space above the bench or to the side of the chalkboard. Hang some decorative hooks or install a rustic coat or hat rack to hang stuff: a wreath, a lantern, or seasonal garlands. 
   
   
5. Seasonal Wreaths
   One of the best ways to mark the change of seasons is through wreaths, but you don't have to limit your display efforts to the front door. You can hang fun Halloween wreaths with pumpkin lights in the entryway to mark the spooky season, but also dried botanicals to signify the arrival of fall. 
   
   
6. Lots of Pumpkins
   Pumpkins just lend themselves to inspiring creative fall displays and arrangements. Big ones, middling ones, ginormous ones -- mix and match -- you can paint your entryway masterpiece on a palette of pumpkins and gourds. Put 'em on top of the entryway table or under the bench. Draw or paint faces on them to set the mood, or decorate your pumpkins with garlands of fall leaves. If you'd rather avoid the messiness of carving, create Halloween creatures or fall figures out of them, using felt or construction paper and a hot glue gun. 

Our real estate agents are always ready to share good ideas that can help you sell your home. Contact us today. 

There are a ton of fun New Year's events to enjoy in the Manatee and Sarasota areas this year. Whether you're looking for family fun, a formal event, live music, or just one big, local party with all of your friends, there's a New Year's Eve event with your name on it. Our REALTORS® are ready to welcome 2020! Learn about some of the local events with our guide to just some of the great New Year's Eve events in the Manatee and Sarasota area.

1. 2020 EPIC New Year Party - Sarasota Municipal Auditorium, 801 N Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Ring in the new decade with 22N, an awesome high energy band that will have everyone on the dancing floor. When the band takes a break, DJ EMP will be spinning Top 40 hits to keep the party going. You'll love the huge dance floor! Party tickets for 2020 EPIC New Year Party include valet to the red carpet, paparazzi, bottomless bubbly all night, full open top-shelf bar, catered appetizers by Acropolis Greek Taverna and Star Thai & Sushi & Desserts, midnight celebration and much more. Plus, you can save $10 with the following case sensitive promo code: wagner. 

2. Sarasota New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop – Main Street, Downtown Sarasota, FL 34236
   Participate in one of the most time-honored New Year's traditions, the Sarasota New Year's Eve Pineapple Drop, with a special Florida twist. Enjoy a carnival atmosphere perfect for families, along with local food, drink, a full bar, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display to close out the evening. Many Sarasota homes for sale are right around the corner from the festivities.
   

3. New Year's Eve at Selby Gardens – 900 S. Palm Ave., Sarasota, FL 34236
   Enjoy an elegant, black-tie New Year's Eve experience with New Year's Eve at Selby Gardens, and ring in the new year in style. This event features a little bit of everything, with unique tropical light displays, a delicious four-course, sit-down dinner, and live entertainment throughout the evening. When the clock strikes midnight, you can cap off your evening with a fantastic view of the fireworks over Sarasota Bay.

4. Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert – 777 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota, FL 34236
   Head for the Salute to Vienna New Year's Concert for music, dance, and so much more. With a full symphony orchestra and tons of talented dancers, the Salute to Vienna has been a local New Year's Eve staple for more than 20 years. Make this Sarasota tradition a part of your celebrations! 

5. New Year's Eve Docksider – 509 N. Tamiami Trail, Venice, FL 34285
   Searching for New Year's excitement and waterfront fun close to Venice homes for sale? Visit the New Year's Eve Docksider and celebrate your favorite holiday as only Florida knows how. Settle in for a relaxing, laid-back New Year's celebration on the docks, with fantastic food and live local music. 

6. Decades Rewind – 1 Indian Ave., Venice, FL 34285
   Celebrate past decades as you ring in a new one at Decades Rewind, a music-filled New Year's Eve party that's sure to have you on the dance floor. The fun starts early in the afternoon, with music from the 50s, 60s, and 70s. As the evening progresses and midnight draws closer, you'll enjoy music from the 80s and 90s. If you're looking for an all-day party to celebrate New Year's, this is the place to be.

7. The Waterfront at Caddy's - 801 Riverside Dr. E, Bradenton, FL 34208
   Ring in the New Year on the waterfront at Caddy's with Irish bagpipers at 7 pm, DJ Pezz at 8 pm and a complimentary champagne toast at midnight! Pull up your boat and enjoy a one of a kind waterfront dining experience and an incredible view near Bradenton homes for sale.

8. Roaring 2020 New Year's Eve Party – Grove, Main Street, Lakewood Ranch
   Welcome the year in style and dress in your best 20's attire when you attend the Roaring 2020 New Year's Eve Party at GROVE! The perfect place to celebrate the New Year close to Lakewood Ranch homes for sale. Enjoy hors d'oeuvre's, carving station and a premium open bar all included with the price of your ticket. The cost per person is $119.95 plus applicable tax and gratuity. 

Is finding a new home at the top of your New Year's resolution list this year? We can help. Contact us to buy and sell homes throughout the Manatee and Sarasota areas.