How to Decorate for New Year's Eve

There is no better way to usher in a new year than with a party. The greatest thing about a New Year's Eve party is that everyone is a guest of honor. So to help make all your guests feel special, decorate using fun and colorful theme items to help celebrate the past and welcome in the future.

Things You'll Need

• Table covers
• Party favors
• Balloon drop
• Paper table roll
• Acrylic paints and brushes
• Metallic streamers
• Paper lantern
• Helium-filled balloons
• Balloon weights
• New Year's party hats

Instructions

1. Choose a color scheme using a combination of at least two colors but no more than four. Bright colors work great for a more casual party. Black with silver or gold are better suited for a more formal affair.

2. Cover tables with color coordinated tablecloths and scatter party favors on them for guests to help themselves. Of course, party horns and noise makers are traditional favors for midnight celebrations. But include items that can also be used throughout the night like party hats, bubbles and small games.

3. Hire a balloon company to install a balloon drop to be released at midnight. There are stores that sell do it yourself drop kits, but they are generally small and often don't release correctly. It's best to leave this kind of thing to a professional.

4. Tear off a section of a paper tablecloth roll and make a large banner to tape on the wall. Paint a colorful New Year's Eve message on it and provide markers so guests can add their own New Year's resolutions or greetings to it. As the night goes on, the messages will get more and more entertaining.

5. Drape metallic streamers across the ceiling by attaching it to the wall in opposing corners and again in the center of the room. Then, in the center, hang a huge paper lantern. If you have a dance floor, follow the same design with the streamers but hang a disco ball instead.

6. Make helium-filled balloon decorations by tying clusters of five or seven balloons to a weight and then dropping the weight inside an upside-down New Year's party hat. You can make them tall and stand them on the floor or put them on tables throughout the room.

Tips & Warnings

• If you will be serving alcohol, consider inviting guests to stay all night. If it's a neighborhood party and everyone can walk home, that's fine. But otherwise, you should designate a driver to get guests home safely or just have them stay put for the night.