The start of the New Year calls for an unforgettable celebration with family and friends!
At Jodi Raphael Events, we are all about celebrations, and New Year’s Eve is no exception. Whether intimate or grandiose, New Year’s Eve parties are always a festive combination of delightful surprises and energy. If you are planning to ring in the New Year by hosting a fun get-together, here are some simple party planning ideas to liven up your event!
Choose A Party Theme
A creative party theme will set the tone for food, drinks and décor. Choose an idea that fits your personal party style and will make your countdown to the New Year a memorable one. Here are just a few:
- Pajama party: complete with popcorn and movies for all! Recipes for flavored popcorn abound and check out the latest movie releases for home viewing.
- Bohemian Rhapsody: What better time of year to add a touch of glam? Think feathers, cozy floor seating, and pops of gold.
- Hollywood: What is your favorite movie character? Guests can arrive as anyone from Cruella de Vil to Dirty Harry.
- Celebrating the Decades: Pick a decade, ’60s, ’70s, ’80s, or ’90s, then ask your guests to dress for that era. Bell bottom or big shoulder pads, anyone?
Small Bites, Big Idea
Unlike Thanksgiving and Christmas, there are few traditional foods served at a New Year’s Eve party. Consider a menu of finger foods and small bites; your guests will appreciate the lighter fare, and it encourages mingling throughout the evening. Here is a list of perfect bite-sized morsels for your menu:
- Charcuterie board
- Cheese platter
- Sliders
- Crab stuffed mushrooms
- Date wrapped in bacon
- Lobster mac & cheese cups
- Roasted veggie skewers
- Fruit skewers
- Fried olives or Marinated olives
- Smoked salmon pinwheels
- Panko crusted chicken bites (courtesy of Martha Stewart)
- Oysters
- Cold shrimp
- Pineapple and black bean salsa with tortilla chips (get the recipe here)
- Guacamole and tortilla chips
Champagne Sangria for Midnight Toast | Courtesy of Sugar and Charm
Ingredients:
- One 32-ounce bottle of apple juice
- One 12-ounce can of frozen cranberry juice concentrate
- One cup of orange juice
- One-and-a-half liters of champagne (or ginger ale for a non-alcoholic version)
Directions:
- Keep items chilled (or frozen) until use.
- Combine the apple juice, cranberry juice concentrate, and orange juice in a large bowl. Stir well.
- Add sliced oranges, kiwi slices, and any other fruit you like.
- Slowly add the champagne or ginger ale at the last minute to keep it bubbly.
This recipe serves 12, but you might want to double up for thirsty guests!
Spark Some Fun!
Great conversations often start with a spark! Set up a box or bowl, paper, and pens, with a small sign asking your guests to write their predictions for the coming year. Then, during dessert, take turns reading each one while the group guesses who they think to be the author. It can be surprising how difficult it is to guess what your friends predict – and it is a great way to wrap up the night!
Unique Party Favors
When it comes to favors for a house party, simple is often the best. Here are just a few ideas to send your guest home in style:
- A plastic martini glass filled with Hershey Kisses labeled Midnight Kisses.
- Your good wishes for the new year written on several small cards (black, white, silver, or gold are the most festive!) and placed in simple plastic frames.
- A small bag filled with fortune cookies with a wish for good fortune in the coming year
New Year’s Eve is one of the most festive holidays of the year. We wish you all the best in the coming year and many opportunities to celebrate with family and friends!
Learn more about the right venue, theme, food, drinks, games, and favors – connect with Jodi Raphael Events. We will help you take the stress out of planning a successful New Year’s Eve party!
Inspiration – House Beautiful | 15 New Year’s Party Ideas to Celebrate the New Decade
