Is it just us, or has this year flown by? Before you know it, New Year’s Eve will be upon us. Typically, we like to stay close to home. We fill our living room with lighted candles, have a roaring fire in the fireplace, listen to our favorite music, sip champagne and enjoy yummy treats. One of our favorite meals at this time of year is fresh cracked crab (it’s in season here in the San Francisco Bay Area). And just before midnight, we always tune in to see the crystal ball fall in Times Square, New York City. It’s the second best thing to actually being there.
Hosting a New Year's Eve Party
If you’re thinking of hosting a New Year’s Eve Party at your home this year for your family and/or friends, we’ve put together a few tips.
Theme, Decorations & Music
Choose a Fun Theme and Colors
Keep it simple and classy. Ask your guests to dress in elegant Black & White (Black & Silver or Black & Gold) attire. Or go Casual Chic and give your guests the option of dressing down (black jeans, white t-shirt). Make it fun!
Festive Decorations
Carry those colors throughout all your decorations. Visit your local Dollar Store to stock up on balloons, giant stars, party hats, noisemakers, confetti, paper plates, napkins, etc. Fill Black Glitter Top Hats with popcorn or your favorite treats. Give your home a festive glow with fairy lights or votive candles.
Music
Put together a fun party playlist and have music playing in the background as your guests arrive. Once your party gets going, kick it up a notch, play your favorite dance music and get everyone up and dancing. If you have the budget, hire a 3-piece jazz band to entertain your guests. Make it festive and fun!
Drinks, Appetizers & Desserts
Champagne or Martini Bar
Set up a Champagne or Martini Bar (Grey Goose Vodka is a favorite of ours!) Don’t forget the pimento olives. Be sure to have plenty of soft drinks, juices and bottled water on hand for non-drinkers and designated drivers. Enjoy a midnight toast to see in the New Year.
Decadent Appetizers
Keep hors d’oeuvres (finger foods) simple, elegant and yummy! Here are a few ideas:
- Mini Blinis topped with Creme Fraiche and Caviar
- Truffle Mouse Pate
- Smoked Salmon & Dill Canapes
- Crab-stuffed Mushrooms
- Cheese & Chutney Bites
- Roasted Peppers Tapenade Crostini
- Chicken Satay with Peanut Sauce
- Assorted Mini Quiches and Sausage Rolls
- Imported Cheeses & Figs
- Coconut Shrimp
- Melon-wrapped Proscuitto
- Parmesan-topped Roasted Veggies
- Sui Mai Dim Sum
- Ahi Tuna on Wasabi Crackers
- Assorted Sushi
- Fried Mac and Cheese Balls
- Roasted Tomato Brushetta Caprese
- Samosa Puffs
Make-Your-Own Ice-Cream Sundae Bar
Set up a Make-Your-Own-Ice-Cream-Sundae Dessert Bar with all your favorite toppings.
New Year's Eve Swag Bag
Offer each guest a small Swag Bag at the end of your party. Fill it with New Year’s Eve food goodies and fun party favors.
If you have any tips you’d like to share with us, we’d love to hear from you.
What’s your favorite way of spending New Year’s Eve?
Whatever you do… have FUN!