These genius New Year’s Eve party ideas will turn you into the perfect host
Need some New Year’s Eve ideas? There are a ton of different ways to celebrate New Year’s Eve, but one of our favorite ways is from the comfort of our own home. Yes, it’s fun to hit the town, but there’s something perfectly cozy about celebrating at home.
So this year why don’t you crank your at-home-celebrating up a notch and host a New Year’s Eve party? Throwing a memorable New Year’s Eve bash is not as hard or as expensive as you might think. From snacks and beverages to decorations and party games, we’ve rounded up some of the best New Year’s Eve party ideas that will get you pumped to host your own New Year’s Eve shindig this year. See ya, 2017! You’ve been strange and weird and intense. Hello, 2018!
APPETIZERS
Since most New Year’s Eve parties are not formal, sit-down affairs, there’s no need to prepare a full five-course dinner. However, serving appetizers for New Year’s Eve is a good idea, since it’ll give your guests something to munch on throughout the night (and prevent them from bailing on the party early to make a Taco Bell run). Consider whipping up some fun New Year’s Eve appetizers and fingerfoods, like the suggestions below.
Goat cheese, prosciutto, and cranberry crostini
This crostini recipe from A Simple Pantry is equally salty and sweet, and the cranberry topping makes it extra perfect for a holiday gathering.
Chipotle bacon deviled eggs
These are not your grandmother’s deviled eggs. Topped with avocado, bacon, and a creamy chipotle sauce, these deviled eggs from Food Fanatic have a spicy kick.
Blackberry and Pinot Noir glazed meatballs
The hint of blackberries and black cherries in the wine sauce from from The Brewer and the Baker takes this meatball recipe to the next level. And it only takes 30 minutes to make!
DECORATIONS
You don’t need a disco ball to add some sparkle to your home with some New Year’s Eve decorations. Here are a few cheap and simple New Year’s Eve decoration ideas.
Festive novelty glasses
Get your guests in a party mood by decking out an entry way table with colorful and silly hats, glasses and glow sticks that they can don when they first arrive.
Giant gold 2018 balloon kit
Oversized mylar balloons are a perfect statement piece and also make for great Instagram photo ops.
2018 Happy New Year disposable paper party napkins
These cute New Year’s napkins would go well with a cocktail or champagne flute.
BEVERAGES
What would an end-of-year party be without some festive drinks? Don’t worry about having a full bar on hand. Instead, serve your guests one or two signature holiday-themed New Year’s Eve cocktails or mocktails.
Bubbly champagne punch
On New Year’s Eve, champagne is a must-have, and in this recipe from Foodie Crush, it’s sweetened with pineapple juice, Grand Marnier, Chambord, brandy and ginger ale.
Winter spiced Moscow Mule
This recipe from Love and Lemons is a twist on a classic Moscow Mule recipe. It features a splash of orange juice and rosemary spice.
Maple New York sour
Cookie and Kate‘s gorgeous “Maple New York sour” cocktail recipe looks like a super-sophisticated drink but is basically just a whiskey sour with a wine float on top.
PARTY GAMES
Before the clock strikes midnight, entertain your guests with some New Year’s Eve party games. Games for adults are a great option to have on hand, especially you’re hosting a smaller gathering.
New Year’s resolutions guessing game
Have your guests divide up into two teams and then write down one resolution each person wants to make in the new year. The other team then must match each person on the opposite team with their resolution. The team with the most matches wins!
Never Have I Ever
You know how this game goes. It’s always a classic and an easy one to bust out if the mood needs perking up.
Drunk Stoned Or Stupid, $12
Sensitive souls, beware! In this game, players call out their friends by deciding who in the group is most likely to…”have a dark side” or “spend all day interpreting a text.”
