Year to end on a frugal note

NEW YORK, Dec. 31 (UPI) -- Ringing in the new year is expected to be toned down this year, as revelers adjust to the downturn in the U.S. economy, observers said.

Celebrations will go on "in a much more frugal way," Marshal Cohen at trend researcher NPD Group told USA Today.

Signs of a more subdued New Year's Eve include the cancellation of a Lynyrd Skynyrd and Trace Adkins concert in Nashville and trimming party prices at various restaurants.

A traditional four-course meal at the Blue Ginger restaurant in Wellesley, Mass, will not be "over the top," this year, owner Ming Tsai said. At some establishments, such as the Divine Bar West in New York City, the theme will be the economy. "Since we're all in the red, let's get Back in Black!" an ad for their New Year's Eve party reads.

Revelers will be offered blackberry-infused champagne and Black Forest ham, the newspaper said.

Many will celebrate with friends at home.

Nancy Bohr of Enola, Pa., said she would attend a dish-to-pass event with her husband this year, skipping a $50 dance she normally attends.

"A lot less money … just as much fun," she said to USA Today.