Tips for planning a great New Year’s Eve Party

Tips for planning a great New Year’s Eve Party:

Start it later than you would normally start a party

Plan for guests to arrive at 9 or 10 p.m. so the party is in full swing at midnight. Starting the party too early can mean that some guests get tired before the big moment arrives.

Supply traditional accessories

Everyone needs party hats, noise makers and horns! Consider handing out confetti only if you are willing to clean it up for weeks to come. Use decoration colors such as blacks, whites or metallics.

Keep the menu simple

Because your party starts after the regular dinner hour, there is no need to provide a full meal for everyone. Plans some easy hors d’oeurves and finger foods and crunchy snacks and dips.

Make some fun preparations for the countdown

You should decide ahead of time if you are going to turn on the TV to a televised countdown program or have your own final countdown to midnight. You can have a large clock with a second hand and count down the time yourself but be sure that you offer drink refills ahead of the midnight toast and that you have time to gather everyone so you have their attention for the countdown.

Stock up on champagne flutes (either glass or disposable plastic)

Every New Year’s Eve party needs some bubbly! Be sure to have enough sparkling champagne and sparkling juices for the nondrinkers.

Consider safety at the end of the evening

Take time to have some conversations with guests before they arrive so you can ensure that your party does not end with unwise decisions and that everyone arrives home safely. If guests do not have a designated driver, be sure to have taxi service numbers on hand and if necessary, consider that you might have overnight guests.

PARTY GAME

Write some phrases down on note cards and let guests pick from the pile – here are some great starters:

Best MOMENT of the year

Day this past year you’d LIVE over and over

Hardest you LAUGHED this year

Most Embarrassing moment of the year

Favorite SONG of the year Best MOVIE of the year Most memorable TRIP of the year

Biggest LESSON learned this year

Most memorable moment in POP culture

Best thing you did for SOMEONE else this year

Most overrated CELEBRITY story this year

Favorite HOLIDAY memory of the year

Best piece of ADVICE you got this year

Best CONVERSATION you had this year

You should decide ahead of time if you are going to turn on the TV to a televised countdown program or have your own final countdown to midnight.

And on and on and on!!! Be creative!