How to host the perfect NYE party – 5 Tips

 

As the year draws to a close, it’s the perfect time to gather with friends for a NYE dinner party and bubbly beverages to ring in the new year. 

From the theme to the tablescape, these 5 tips will help ensure that your new year’s eve party succeeds and everybody has a great time.

 

1. Select a theme 

If you’ve been wanting to have a themed party, New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to do it! A common mistake made by newbie hosts is to have an overly relaxed attitude towards the theme of their party. This does not mean that you need to put undue pressure on yourself but instead, you should embrace your chosen theme wholeheartedly, and make it a fun and memorable experience for all. 

 

Fun New Year’s Eve  Party theme ideas

• The roaring 20’s (decades parties)
• Black & Glitter Party  
• Potluck Party
• Gamenight 
• Pyjama Party 

 

2. Create the right ambiance 

 

Serving delicious food isn’t always enough to keep people pleased and satisfied — there’s a lot more that goes into it. Creating the right ambiance is an important part of hosting a great party, so it is essential that you understand what this means. 

Now that you have selected your event theme, be intentional with everything you do. Your guests will appreciate your attention to detail when it comes to their enjoyment, and will feel important from the moment they walk through the doors. 

To create the right ambiance pay attention to your 

 

Lighting – dim the lights, cut the overheads and use candles instead of fluorescent lights. Candles & low lighting create a warm and cosy effect that instantly relaxes the mind and body. 

Music – To further enhance your theme, select the right music and play it at moderate volume to create a pleasant atmosphere. 

 

Decorations – Don’t be afraid to get creative with your party decorations, party favors & tablescape – more on this later. The key is to use these elements in a way that enhances your party theme throughout the space. 

 

 

Temperature – Before your guests arrive, turn down the temperature a few notches. It will get hotter as more people join the party.

 

3. Choose fun activities

 

A new year’s eve party isn’t complete without fun activities! Activities should be age-appropriate and stress-free for people to enjoy themselves with their friends and family throughout the night. Think about your chosen theme and ambiance before selecting your activities. 

Last new year’s eve, I hosted a Jeopardy party for my friends with children. It was a hit and a great way to end the year with a bang, especially with children who are insistent on playing all night!

Other fun new years party activities  

• New Year’s Resolution Guessing Game –  Ask guests to list their resolutions on slips of paper & play a guessing game to find out to whom the resolutions belong to. 
• End of the Year Charades – a classic game where guests act out a word and the rest of the party guesses what they’re acting. 

4. Plan the NYE countdown 

 

Having an exciting countdown to the New Year is a great way to ensure that you and your guests will be motivated and excited to ring in the new year. To create an upbeat mood, consider playing more lively music leading up to midnight. 

 

For our new years party last year, I saved 10 balloons to pop counting down the seconds. Kids loved this activity and I noticed that the entire party was kept engaged, even that late at night. 

 

 

5. Set your NYE tablescape 

 

Tablescapes are perfect to show your guests how much you care about them and reinforce how special the meal is. You don’t have to spend a lot of money on this, or even any money at all! All you need is a little creativity and dedication. 

To get you started on your tablescaping journey, my best advice is to totally downplay the formal setting and have fun this New Year’s Eve. Save the chinaware for a more elegant occasion, and instead use disposables that are safe for rambunctious kids. 

Focus on the centre of the table by picking an interesting runner, use glitter & candles to add a festive touch and stick to classic party colors that are suitable for all ages. 

 

Planning the perfect New Year’s Eve party is no easy feat but with these simple tips, you will be well on your way to hosting a great party that all of your guests will enjoy. 

If this is your first time hosting a party, don’t be intimidated! Take it step by step, try out a few ideas and make adjustments along the way to ensure that your party is a success! 

If you’d like to stay connected and receive more tablescaping inspiration & hosting tips, make sure you subscribe to my blog & follow me on instagram for updates. Happy hosting! 

 

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Hi, I’m Alice

I started Ascape Living because I noticed that tables are where we meet, dine, chat, laugh, and connect. Now I’m on a mission to share the joy of putting in the extra effort so that you can create a space filled with love, meaning and life.

I can help you create your very own keepsakes moments with easy to use tablescaping solutions, tips, inspiration and more.

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