10 New Year ’ s Eve party pointers
Many people consider New Year ’ s Day the unofficial end of the holiday season . That often means that New Year ’ s Eve is an opportunity to socialize , gather and party one final time before returning to the routines of daily life .
The first known instance of New Year ’ s celebrations can be traced to around 2,000 B . C . in the region of Mesopotamia . Celebrants were gathering in March , rather than January , as this was the time of the vernal equinox , when the darkness of winter subsided and agricultural life could begin anew .
As individuals count down the days until New Year ’ s Eve festivities , these planning tips can make the celebrations occasions to remember .
1 . Consider a theme . Everyone who is anyone is having or attending a NYE party . Let your event stand out from the throngs of others with a theme . Guests can come dressed as dynamic duos ( like Mario and Luigi ) or the party can evoke a bygone era , such as the roaring 1920s . Let guests know what they can do to play the part .
2 . Start late . You do not want guests wiped out by the time midnight arrives . Therefore , start the party at around 9 or 10 p . m . and anticipate it lasting into the wee hours of the morning .
3 . Tailor drinks to the season . Utilize seasonal ingredients when crafting drinks , or serve drinks that are expected this time of year , such as a boozy eggnog or cranberry Moscow mules .
4 . Provide various activities . Plan fun activities during the party . Offer card games or board games to give guests something to do . Karaoke or group activities like trivia also can spread out the fun .
5 . Beverages should be accessible . Unless you are hiring a bartender who will be on call to pour drinks , having drinks ready to go is a smart idea . In addition to cans / bottles of beer or malt beverages , have ready-to-go mixed drinks available by selecting a signature drink and preparing a bulk batch .
6 . Curate a winning playlist . Ask guests to submit a list of their favorite tunes so you can create a collection of songs that will ebb and flow with the evening ’ s events . Be sure to include some sing-a-long favorites like “ Don ’ t Stop Believin ’” or “ Tiny Dancer .”
7 . Offer self-serve foods . Much like having drinks ready to go , make foods accessible as well . Finger foods and bite-sized morsels will not require guests to carry plates , reducing the chances for spillage . Sliders , miniature quiches and dessert shooters should suffice .
8 . Tie decorations into the theme . Classic New Year ’ s Eve decorations include balloons , streamers and confetti . Think about a very festive balloon arch or backdrop that also can serve as a place to pose for photo opportunities .
9 . Offer takeaway gifts for designated drivers . Encourage guests to stay sober and volunteer for designated driving duties by offering prizes . Ideas include gift cards to coffee shops or restaurants .
10 . Be ready for midnight . Have a large television at the ready to show the midnight countdown and start pouring champagne roughly 20 minutes before midnight to ensure all glasses are full when the clock strikes 12 .
New Year ’ s Eve celebrations get an extra boost from a well-planned party . n
80 January 2024 | Thomasville Scene