Money to Burn, Baby By M. Franco Salvoza Washingtonpost.com staff Monday, December 15, 1997; Page A01

For men, don't bother renting. You're not in high school anymore. Purchase a tux made by Ralph Lauren. Price: $450

For women, a floor-length designer clingy and slingy number will do. Price: at least $500

Buy fancy shoes for that tux. You can't possibly go wrong with an Italian name, like Salvatore Ferragamo. Price: $300

You're not going to impress your New Year's date with your beat-up Honda Accord. Let a black stretch limo from 6 'til 6 be your carriage. Add all the fixings: crystal glassware, intercom, TV, CD player, moodlights, room for friends and witty, friendly driver. Price: $936 + $50 tip

Don't dare forget flowers for your New Year's date. Remember, she likes a dozen long-stemmed red roses. Price: $55

Nothing says luxury like caviar. The best. Price: $270 for 9 oz. of Beluga premium

Did you say luxury? Include a box of chocolate truffles. Price: $30

Don't forget the bubbly. If money's no object, Dom Perignon or Lagrame Dame is a safe bet. Price: 2@$85 a bottle

Pick up some cigars to puff away on. One, or three, Davidoff Anniversario #1s will do. Price: 3@$20 each

New Year's Eve dinner and dancing at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel, just for bragging rights. Price: 2@$175 each, or find a cheaper dinner or hotel package.

You've already spent a whole evening at the Ritz-Carlton. Why not give yourself the option to stay the night? Pick the private lounge floor to entertain all those beautiful people you've attracted and partied with. Price: $245 a night

You need a change of scenery, and your limo driver's getting bored. Remember, you're not paying him to sit around! Pull him from his magazine and tell him to take your party to Afterwords or other late night joints for drinks. Price: $40

Finish up at the Ritz-Carlton with brunch. Price: 2@$48 a person

Grand Total for pulling out the stops New Year's Eve: only $3,552!

If this seems like a paltry sum to you, moneybags, rent out the Presidential Suite at the Four Seasons Hotel (202/ 342-0444) in Georgetown. As part of the 90th anniversary of luxury department store Neiman-Marcus, the two are putting together a New Year's package for only $90,000. What does this get you, you ask? A limousine rental for you and your friends, a one-hour massage for each of them, as well as 90 items which you and your party get to keep, including a humidor full of Macanudo cigars, a Brioni tuxedo, a Giorgio Armani velvet gown, and a Jerry Sorbara Fur Throw.