Many of us are still recovering from holiday parties for Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa and earlier, and have not had a chance to think about New Year’s Eve plans. While it’s only a few days away, there is still plenty of time to ring in 2019 in a memorable way! Whether you want to dress up for a night out on the town, gather around friends and family or would like a chill night at your apartment, we’ve got celebration ideas for everyone. Don’t stress, here are a few of our favorite last minute New Year’s Eve celebration ideas.
Plan a small party
Surround yourself with loved ones by inviting them over for a simple gathering. Don’t overthink the planning process—you don’t need much to host a great party that everyone will remember for years to come. Here’s a basic checklist to get you off on the right foot:
- Send an e-vite to your best friends with all the details.
- Plan your menu and be sure to have a least a few filling snacks.
- Stock up on champagne (or sparkling juice!) or ask your friends to bring their favorite drink to share.
- Put together a music playlist that covers multiple decades.
- Decorate your apartment by repurposing holiday string lights.
Host a game night
Ring in the New Year by laughing and having fun with friends old and new. Prepare a table in your apartment with enough seating for everyone to comfortable fit and break out your games. Encourage your guests to bring over their favorite board or card games. It’s always good to have some finger foods, drinks and some bubbly for when the clock strikes midnight.
Spend the night on the town
New Year’s Eve is a popular night for party goers. Most bars and clubs have special events going on where you can dress up and dance. Many restaurants will have special menus on New Year’s Eve and offer spreads that are uniquely memorable. Another idea is to check out a live show at a local theater. No matter what you decide to do, make arrangements to stay safe by using a designated driver, taking public transportation or using a ride share service such as Uber or Lyft to get to and from your final destination. Many cities even offer free or reduced rates for public transit.
Make a fancy feast
While staying in on New Year’s Eve might sound boring, it can be a lot less stressful and much more enjoyable. A fun and easy way to celebrate the new year is by cooking up a luxurious meal at home and enjoying yourself. Prepare festive appetizers, finger foods, your favorite dish, dessert and top it all off with your cocktail or mocktail of choice. Check out this list of New Year’s Eve dinner ideas to draw some menu inspiration. There’s everything from seafood dishes, steaks, pasta and even fancy grilled cheese. Set up a New Year’s ambiance by lighting a few candles and snuggle in for a cozy night at home.
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