You’ve decided to have people over for New Year’s Eve, and you’re probably getting excited just thinking about it. But it’s already late December, stress levels are mounting, and you’re running short on ideas to make the party special. T&S to the rescue! Here are a couple of ideas to make the 2018 countdown an evening everyone will remember.
theme 1: family and friends
Why not make your guests the theme of your New Year’s party? Chances are, they’re responsible for the wonderful memories
you’ve made all year—so put them in the spotlight and make them feel special. It’s a great way to relive favorite moments and thank loved ones for everything they do.
decorations: Fun images of people and places are an excellent conversation starter. In spots where guests will gather, drape garlands of photo prints that illustrate the memorable year you’ve had. Use small clips to attach the photos, then hang the strings in layers. Guests will enjoy seeing their own faces in your fondest memories!
food: If your guest list is relatively small, ask each person ahead of time for his or her favorite party food to include in your buffet. Place notes by each dish to reveal who requested it, along with copies of recipes to share. Your guests will be touched by the gesture.
drinks: Add personalized charms to the stems of champagne or punch glasses, and let guests take the charms home as party favors. They’re much more fun than name tags and will help break the ice for guests who don’t know each other.
theme 2: holiday sparkle
It’s easy and fun to make your party shine with a variety of glitter-enhanced ideas, both edible and non-edible—especially if kids are included.
decorations: Nearly any item can be made more special with a glue gun and some colorful glitter. Add sparkly designs to party hats, favor boxes, noisemakers, candleholders, place cards, balloons and more. Personalize them with messages that will make your guests smile. Let the kids help!
food: Serve iced cookies or cupcakes dipped in edible gold or silver glitter. Dip fortune cookies in melted chocolate and edible glitter, then just before midnight, have each guest open one and read his or her fortune aloud. It will be good for some laughs!
drinks: Serve champagne or punch in cups decorated with glittery names or designs. If you’re feeling adventurous, set up a
table where guests can create their own.
