Celebrate!

Ideas for Gatherings

By Audrey Sellers

New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to invite loved ones over, pop some bubbly, and wrap up the year in style. Whether you want to plan a low-key get-together or go all out with a show-stopping celebration, you can host an unforgettable New Year’s Eve party right at home. Here’s how to make your event a magical one.

When You Want to Go Big

Provide epic entertainment. If you really want to take your party up a notch, hire a DJ or band that’ll keep your crowd dancing all night long. You could also set up a mini-stage area for dance-offs or karaoke. Don’t forget the photo booth with all the fun props for people to capture the evening’s festivities.

Impress your guests with a champagne tower. It’s easy to create a sparkling centerpiece that adds a touch of glamour to your party. Start by stacking some champagne glasses in a pyramid shape on a metallic serving tray, making sure each layer is slightly smaller than the one below. Then, pour champagne from the top and watch it cascade down through the glasses.

Create a feast for the senses. Treat your guests to a fine-dining experience by bringing in a personal chef or caterer to prepare a multi-course meal. If you want something more hands-on, set up gourmet cooking stations where guests can create their own dishes with help from a cooking instructor. You’ll be the talk of the neighborhood if guests get to roll their own sushi or craft gourmet pizzas at your New Year’s Eve bash.

Keep Things Cozy

Create a relaxing ambiance. Light some candles, string fairy lights, and set out plush blankets. If you have a fireplace, light it up and place floor cushions nearby for a cozy spot to socialize. Curate a playlist of relaxing music or ambient sounds that add to the atmosphere without overpowering the conversation.

Decide on the entertainment. You could have a movie marathon and play some rom-coms like The Holiday or family-friendly flicks like Happy New Year, Charlie Brown. Set up a snack station with a popcorn and hot chocolate bar so guests can indulge in some treats while enjoying the show. After the movie, bring out board or card games to liven things up before the ball drops.

Serve up some comfort food. When you’re spending a cozy night in, warm comfort foods like homemade mac and cheese or flavorful stews can make people feel snug and at home. They can also evoke a sense of nostalgia. Enjoying Grandma’s famous spaghetti Bolognese, for example, can spark memories of happy moments with loved ones.

Your Home, Your Celebration

This New Year’s Eve, skip the crowded venues and overpriced drinks. When you host at home, you can control the menu and the playlist, and you don’t have to worry about parking or cover charges. Let the ideas above guide you in planning the perfect-for-you New Year’s Eve gathering, right from home.