As everyone else scrambles last minute for the perfect New Year’s Eve cocktail ensemble, you’ve got a bit more on your plate: you’re hosting your very own NYE bash. Your guests will be expecting a great night to kick off their new year – and you can certainly oblige. With a few fine touches, you can make your night one to remember and one that will kick off the year in style.
TRADITION!
New Year’s Eve is a night for fun and letting loose, with a few traditions so ingrained in the celebration of the night that they’ve gotten a bit lost. At the stroke of midnight, people around the world cheer loudly to ward off evil spirits, toast champagne, and kiss their loved ones to ensure a year full of affection and goodwill, before singing a rendition of “Auld Lang Syne,” a song originally composed in 1788 by Scottish poet Robert Burns. The song, compiled from a collection of folk songs and his own work, acts as a call to remember long-standing friendships and times long passed.
HOUSE PARTY
Whether you want to host an intimate affair featuring just some close friends and family or an open house that lasts well into the small hours of the morning, here are some things to consider for your NYE fête:
- Try to arrange furniture in the main gathering areas (generally the kitchen and living room) so there’s plenty of room to mix and mingle, but also ample room for guests to sit and rest their feet.
- If children will be present, set up a separate “kids party” in a room where they can have snacks, watch TV, play video games, sing karaoke … and fall asleep if their tired eyes can’t handle the late night.
- Make sure there’s a TV nearby! Around the country, crowds gather in streets, bars, and living rooms to watch the Ball Drop. Even if no one is paying attention for the majority of the evening, you better believe that around 11:55 p.m. all eyes will be glued to the television.
DECOR DUJOUR
- Since one of the biggest traditions of New Year’s Eve is to make as much noise as possible, noisemakers and confetti poppers are a must.
- The “theme” of New Year’s Eve is sequins, sparkles, and anything that shines. The easiest way to set the stage is to purchase some dark colored table clothes and lay out some gleaming table topper confetti.
- Adorn your guests in top hats and tiaras to make them feel like royalty.
CHAMPAGNE DIET
It goes without saying that champagne is a must for New Year’s Eve. At some gatherings the champagne is reserved for the midnight toast, while at others, champagne is the night’s drink of choice.
- Keeping beer, wine, soda, and soft drinks on hand is standard for any party, but New Year’s Eve demands champagne – at least enough for each adult to have one glass for the midnight toast.
- Champagne is a beverage to be served chilled. Set a few bottles out in an ice bucket for gorgeous presentation (or in the bathtub for a cheeky twist). About ten minutes prior to midnight, begin opening bottles and filling cups.
- If you’re hosting a large gathering, stock up on enough of the plastic variety champagne glasses. Have them assembled on a tray prior to your guests’ arrival to avoid a scramble as the clock winds down.
- Remember to purchase some sparkling cider so that anyone who doesn’t drink can partake in the celebration.
- As always, bonus points for serving a signature cocktail. This Ruby Yacht cocktail has a champagne base and is sure to impress even the most fickle guest.
FINGER FOOD
- Since your NYE party is inevitably going to end late at night, make sure you’ve got enough food to go around. In addition to the obligatory chips, dips, cheeses, and crudités, provide some items of substance that can make up a full meal.
- TRY THIS: A baked potato bar can be filling, relatively inexpensive, easy to set-up, and will definitely be a hit. Lay out your toppings in advance, and then pop the potatoes in the oven. Once they’re finished, wrap them in tinfoil. Stack them in a pile, and let them cool, and then invite your guests to customize their own plate.
Author: Courtney E. Danielson | Photo Courtesy {this is glamorous}
