Ten, 9, 8, 7 … West Des Moines Ready to Party

Whether you’ve been busy dashing from Grandma’s house to Ron Paul’s latest campaign event or avoiding anything related to the Iowa Caucuses, what you need is a diversion.

Trouble is, if you haven’t made your plans yet, it’s time you did.

What have we missed? Tell us in comments about the Patchiest place in West Des Moines to ring in 2012 in style.

Patch wants to make it easier for you, celebrant that you are. Our “Patchiest” advice to make New Year's Eve 2011 one to remember:

Make it a party that’s already been planned.

• Caberet West Glen, 560 S. Prairie View Drive, features drink specials, appetizers catered by Maxie’s Restaurant and Lounge from 5-7 p.m., party favors, and a balloon drop and champagne toast at midnight. Dance music by DJ Metro all night long. Call ahead for reservations.

• Nearby in the Village of Ponderosa, Wellman’s Pub & Rooftop, 597 Market St., will celebrate with a free champagne toast at midnight, party favors and noisemakers. Call ahead for booth reservations.

• Grab your share of $3,000 in cash that will be hidden in balloons that will be dropped at midnight at the fourth annual New Year’s Eve Celebration Blowout at Son of Buck’s, 1720 25th St. To reserve a table, call 451-7042.

Make sure you’re laughing.

• The Funny Bone Comedy Club and Restaurant, 560 S. Prairie View Drive, has two New Year’s Eve shows featuring the standup comedy of The Midnight Swinger. The 7:30 p.m. show includes an appetizer buffet from 5:30-6:30 p.m. and full menu service, plus a ticket to a future show. The 9:45 p.m. show includes a champagne toast at midnight, party favors and a ticket to a future show. Call for details.

Make it a weekend at the same party as last year in a different location.

• The Sheraton West Des Moines partners with Star 102.5 FM for the 2011 Downtown/Countdown, previously held at the Embassy Suites on the River in downtown Des Moines. Featuring the Spazmatics and two other Chicago bands, Shy Violet and According to Andrew. Call for reservations and information on lodging packages.

Make it a non-alcoholic family affair.

• Here’s a fun fact to know and tell: West Des Moines insurer GuideOne Insurance, founded in 1947, was initially established to provide auto insurance to non-drinkers and still requires its policyholders to pledge they won’t drive while impaired by alcohol. So it should be no surprise that the company is the sponsor of GuideOne’s ImaginEve, an event for the entire family that offers a carnival-like atmosphere complete with inflatable rides, clowns, balloon artists, carnival games and a fireworks finale. The event is free and will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. at the Iowa Events Center, 730 Third St. in downtown Des Moines.