Many of us would rather spend a New Year’s Eve at home rather than going out to celebrate – it can be a lot of work getting dressed up, organising transport and ordering drinks in a crowded bar.
You can have even more fun at home with your besties and a bottle of bubbles…for those who want to host the perfect NYE soirée, here are our top tips for a memorable party to ring in 2025:
Get decorative:
A party without decorations is just a meeting! Hosting a New Year’s Eve party is your chance to fill your home with all things shiny and glittery to welcome 2025. We’re talking confetti, balloons, streamers…the works! If you want to be able to use the decorations again, try not to be date-specific and go for generic New Year’s Eve items. A photo booth with a fun backdrop and props always goes down a treat.
Serve themed snacks and drinks:
Once you have decided on your decorations and theme, it’s time to talk food and drinks. Don’t forget guests with dietary requirements such as gluten-free, vegetarian, vegan, lactose intolerant and dairy-free when planning finger food or a dinner menu – maybe add some edible glitter to those cocktails you are planning on mixing up, or make a disco cheese ball as a table talking point.
Plan activities and games:
It can be tough trying to stay awake until midnight, so make sure to plan games and activities to while away the hours until the clock strikes 12. Kick things off with a game of Champagne pong to get everyone in the holiday spirit, before breaking out some board games. You could take it up a gear and host a murder mystery party or everyone’s favourite Twister.
Suggest a dress code:
Just because you’re hanging at home doesn’t mean you can’t dress up. New Year’s is the perfect time to go all out, so don’t be afraid to put on your sequins and sparkles. Encourage your guests to do the same and don’t forget to take plenty of pictures together in your finest fits. You could also up the ante and give out a best-dressed award at the end of the night. Not feeling fancy this year? Make it a pyjama party and wear your cosiest loungewear.
Turn on the TV:
This may sound strange at a New Year’s Eve party, but you could warm up to the countdown with a movie marathon finishing just in time to catch the fireworks celebrations around the country and the world. Create a viewing station in front of the TV or set up a projector on an empty wall so you can keep tabs on all the celebrity sightings and musical performances.
Have after-party plans in place:
Whether you are hitting the hay, or the town after the clock strikes midnight, make sure you and your guests have a designated driver or safe ride service in place if you have been drinking.
You could also turn New Year’s Eve into a sleepover if you have enough room to host guests overnight. Prep your guest rooms with clean sheets – water and Panadol might also be a great bedside table idea! This way, you can spend the first day of 2025 with your besties…
