How to Throw A Fantastic New Years Eve Party

New Year's Eve is the most exciting night of the entire year. There are fireworks, toasts, great food, good friends and a sense of renewed anticipation for the year to come. Below are some ideas on how to throw a truly unique affair. If you want to host a New Years Eve party, there are some steps to follow to ensure that your party will be one that your guests talk about long after the ball has dropped!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• finger foods
• soft drinks
• alcoholic beverages
• great music
• party favors
• decorations
• invitations

1. Plan your party at least 6 weeks in advance. This way, there is less conflict when you do send out your invitations. It won't be much of a party if half the people you invited are otherwise engaged.

2. Send out festive party invitations. Not much of a creative or DIY person? You can make your invitations festive simply by adding colorful confetti to the inside of each envelope. Feeling crafty? Use a hole punch to loop colorful ribbon through the cards. Add some glitter for extra pizazz.

3. You don't have to hire a DJ to have great music. Take some time a month or so before the party to download and put together a nice mix of tracks. Keep your guests in mind when selecting the music. Try to include multiple genres that reflect everyone's tastes or favorite songs. Music makes great memories that your guests will take with them long after the party is over.

4. The food is one of the most important elements of your party. Pay careful attention first and foremost to what you can afford (this isn't the time to do a big Ta-Da menu if you don't have the funds). Ideally, finger foods are most suitable. Chips and dip are a party staple (make your dip from scratch, if possible)as well as cheese, veggie and deli platters. You may also want to go alittle fancier with prosciutto wrappeed melon or maybe mini tacos with salsa for dipping. It's also important to consider your guests when planning the menu. Have a nice variety of foods from which to choose to cover the possibilities of any allergies a guest may have.

5. Offer a variety of beverages. Of course, plenty of soft drinks should be on hand. Beer, wine and champagne are all appropriate and easy choices for New Years Eve. Of course, it would be wise to keep Martinelli's Cider on hand for designated drivers and those who choose not to drink.

6. Don't forget the games! There are lots of ice-breaker games that will keep your party interesting long before midnight. It's also a great way for your guests to get to know eachother.

7. It's not a New Year's Eve party without favors and decorations! You'll want to include all the traditional New Years elements, such as hats,tiaras,horns, noise-makers and balloons. Bubbles are also a fun element. Balloons are a must. Try to get a variety of different balloons of various colors and textures. It adds alot to the ambiance of your affair. String colorful lights outside. Lights instantly set the mood for a great party. Hang Japanese lanterns in your walkway, porch area, or even from trees!

8. Prepare for the probability of overnight guests. It's better to let your guest sleep over than have them drive when they are unable. Also keep an eye out for anyone who may attempt to drive home. Call a cab if necessary. If you follow the steps above, you are guaranteed a festive affair that your guests won't soon forget. They may even beg you to do it all again next year!

[newyearseve]

on 12/11/2008 Great ideas! An iPod is all you need for music and you don't have to spend a fortune to enjoy New Year's Eve, especially in this economy.

-Debbie
http://newyearseveguide.com