New Year’s Eve: Host the Best Party

New Year’s Eve only comes around once a year so you want to make sure it’s one that people will be talking about for the rest of the year- for the right reasons. This time of year is best celebrated with your friends and family so why not invite everyone you know round for an energized New Years Eve party.

Plan your Party:

It’s not as easy as asking a few people if they want to come round a few days before New Year’s Eve you have to start preparing weeks before the actual night to ensure you have everything ready to host the perfect party.

So you know the date, December 31st so the first decision is the time and place. You could either host the party at your own home, if you have the space and don’t mind risking things getting knocked over by people who have had one glass of champagne too many, or you could hire somewhere out, which you know holds more people. You could also book some music, whether it’s a DJ or live band-but remember to book early as New Year is a busy time of the year, with people hungry for a great night - entertainment is the main dish, so make sure you deliver.

Next on the list is invitations, if your just having a small group of people round you might not want to bother with this but if you are planning on hosting a larger party, invitations are essential to people know when and where. Invitations also cover extra information such as if there is a theme or if you want people to ‘bring drink’- just so people turn up equipped and to the correct venue (always important). Make sure your invitations have the rsvp featured so you can get an idea of how many guests to expect and also age ranges so you can plan extra entertainment if children will be attending.

Food and drink are essential when planning a New Year’s Eve party. A great tip is to keep the food light, such as nibbles, which are small and easy to eat. Also choose food that is colourful and appetising as this will add a splash of colour to the occasion. If you are opting for baked food you can pre-make the casing, such as pastry or pizza base, which will save you time and ensure your aren’t covered in flour when the guests arrive. Savoury dips are always a good option as you can jazz up plain food with a variety of flavours- and if you want you can buy them ready made so you don’t even have to make them yourself. To ensure people aren’t clambering over each other having the food on a separate table to the drink is important, especially after a few drinks people will be knocking food everywhere- and remember if it’s in your house you are the designated cleaner.

Drink the night away:

Get the bubbly in ice because this is after all a celebration and what better way to celebrate than with sparkling champagne? If you want to really impress your guests you could research some cocktails and make some well known ones ready for your guests on arrival-ready to kick start the night.

Serve up a traditional trendy cosmopolitan cocktail for that classy Sex and the City feel or a classic Mojito full of minty freshness, ready for that midnight kiss. If your tastes run more to the tropical indulgence you could choose a Pina Colada, smooth and full of fruity flavour.

A great host mingles all night making sure their guests have refreshments and are enjoying themselves. Making sure you have planned your party in advance will ensure you have a stress free night and even enjoy the night yourself with a few glasses of bubbly.

With these tips in mind, your New Year’s Party will really be a time to enjoy, both for you and your guests.

- K.J.N -