Was 2021 the longest year ever, or was that 2020? The good news is that it’s almost 2022 and you’ve made it through some of the toughest years in recent history. There is a lot to celebrate and be thankful for. Say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022 with a fun and simple New Years’ Eve Party. There are plenty of ways to do it. Grab some wedding sparklers, some champagne and check out these ideas to help you have a fun and affordable New Years’ Eve Party.
DIY Decorations
There are plenty of ways to DIY the décor for a New Years’ Eve party. Considering it’s less than two weeks after Christmas you can easily keep up your lights and decorations from the holidays for this new soiree. Lights and shiny things are basically all you need. Make it fun with some new years party hats and noisemakers as well. Decorate tables with lanterns, candles, and sparkly place settings. Hang sparkly streamers, 70’s disco lights, and make it fun. You can easily find affordable decorations at the dollar store and some great after-Christmas sales on twinkly lights and other decorations.
Pot-Luck Style Meal
Everyone has a favorite party dish. Why not let all your guests bring their favorites? You may end up with everything from Korean bulgogi to crockpot enchiladas and baked cheese dip. And that’s what makes a potluck so fun. As the host you could provide something like brisket or another meat, but the smorgasbord of foods makes this a fun and affordable food option. Make BYOB (bring your own booze) and you have an even better adults-only new years party.
Desserts Only
Forget making a meal, invite everyone over for a dessert party. Serve cakes, cookies, fruit platters, and more. Make it yourself, buy pre-made from the store, or invite all your guests to share their favorite treat. You’d be amazed at the delicious treats everyone makes. Serve it with coffee, tea, hot cocoa, and a little something extra. When the party starts at 9 p.m., this is a great way to serve food, make it affordable, and enjoy the time until the clock strikes midnight.
Skip the Open Bar
It might sound like a great party to have booze all night, but let’s face it, that much alcohol is expensive. Unless your guests are supplying, skip the open bar. Serve a champagne or wine toast near midnight and let everyone fend for themselves when it comes to alcoholic drinks. You can still have fun without an open bar, just be sure that your guests drink responsibly and hire an Uber for the ones who had something to drink.
Dancing
The good news is that Alexa can be your DJ if you have loud enough speakers. Put on some dancing music and make it a real party. Play a variety of genres so that your guests can all get involved. Maybe someone isn’t into Hip Hop but loves country-western music. Play some old party favorites like the electric slide. Throw in a pink smoke bomb or a blue smoke bomb for an added effect. The lights and the smoke will make it feel like a real party. It might be fun to wait until midnight for this extra effect. Be sure to check if your smoke bombs can be used indoors.
Party Games
Think beyond frat party drinking games. There are plenty of fun games you can play at a new years eve party. Pull out a risqué game of Midnight Taboo or Cards Against Humanity. These are fun for smaller groups of people, especially those who know each other well. It may seem old-school, but you’d be excited to learn how many people love playing various board games and card games.
Conclusion
Throwing a great New Years’ Eve party doesn’t need to be complicated or expensive. Save money when you keep the menu simple, reuse some of your Christmas and other holiday decorations, pull out a few board games and turn on some music. Finish the old year with your family and friends. Break out some long sparklers to end 2021 and say hello to 2022. Make some declarations and resolutions and you’ll be on your way to having a great year.