It is easy to feel the pressure to have the most amazing time on New Year’s Eve. Hosting your own party on this revered night can be very daunting. Which is why we have compiled a list of five top tips to ensure every party is a great success:
Think of a theme
It helps to bring together all the elements of your party and can provide an opportunity for guests to get involved with dressing up. It can also help to break the ice for guests who don’t know each other very well.
If you are stuck for ideas, perhaps ask guests to come as their favourite new year’s resolution or as characters beginning with the first letter of your name.
Don’t forget to dress the space, perhaps create a feature wall, table or even a food station where you can provide a focus.
Be prepared
Don’t spend all your time working in the kitchen. It’s New Year’s Eve, you’re the host and guests have come to the party to enjoy your company. Make sure most, if not all, of your food is taken care of before the party starts – or better still, call in the caterers!
Food
If you are creating a sit-down meal, keep it simple by cooking something tried and tested that you know works well. Don’t try to over-deliver and make something that takes you away from guests for too long.
If you are providing canapes, allow 10-12 items per guest and include some sweet options for later.
Drinks
The biggest mistake party planners make is failing to chill drinks properly. Particularly on a night like new year’s eve, you will get through more ice than you would imagine, so make buying & storing lots of ice your top priority. Instead of being caught up in making drinks all night, you could pre-mix and chill down cocktails, and prepare the garnishes beforehand. Or make a warm spiced punch & leave it on a low heat on the stove, which is perfect if guests will be heading outside at any point in the night.
You should allow around 5/6 drinks per person and keep some bubbles on ice for midnight – allowing 5 flutes per bottle. Make sure you have a good selection of non-alcoholic drinks on hand and set out a corkscrew, bottle opener, ice bucket, lemon/lime slices and plenty of glasses to encourage people to serve themselves.
Alternatively, get the professionals in to make the drinks for you!
Other considerations
You may have organised entertainment for the evening but if not, ensure you have at least 5/6 hours of party playlists on hand.
You could ask guests to take reportage style photos of the party and share them on social media using a special hashtag.
What will you do at midnight? – think about how you will be counting down – whether you will have confetti, hats or party cannons etc.
Don’t forget to plan something after the kissing and toasting ends to stop the party falling flat – perhaps some late night treats or entertainment can help keep the momentum going.
Lastly, you could hand out new year’s eve party hangover cure packs to guests as they are leaving – a great way to say happy new year!
More information
For more information on Bubble’s stylish range of canapes and cocktails, and how Bubble can make your party a sparkling success, contact our incredible team of event experts on 020 7703 2653 or at info@bubblefood.com