This year, New Year’s Eve celebrations might not look like they normally do. But that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate with family and friends! In fact, given how difficult this year has been, a party might be exactly what is needed. The good news is that there are plenty of fun, safe ways to ring in the new year as a family right from the comfort of your own home. Here are a few ideas for making your New Year’s Eve celebration a fun event for all: An Elegant Soiree Whether you want to celebrate with just that special person in your life or fill your house with friends, New Year’s Eve is the perfect excuse to pull out all of the stops. Champagne? Why not? Indulging in these luxuries at home is far more cost conscious than ordering them in a restaurant. As always, be a thoughtful host and provide festive non-alcoholic beverages for your guests who do not drink.
Lucky Food Party Look for a more casual alternative to the typical fancy dinner party. Host a potluck lucky-food party. Message friends in advance with a food and drinks sign-up sheet and commit to providing anything left on the list after sign-ups. Here are a few ideas:
Black-eyed peas and greens, to symbolise prosperity in the new year
Long noodles for a long life
Coin-shaped cookies, Pork or other rich foods, for a year of riches
12 grapes to be eaten when the clock strikes midnight, representing good luck in each month of the year ahead
Ring-shaped foods (bagels, doughnuts or ring cake) to symbolise a year coming full circle
An Evening of Toasts Ask guests to come prepared with one (or more) toasts to share during the evening. They can be meaningful, personal or just plain fun. As you’re the host, consider it your duty to kick things off and spark ideas.
Midnight Supper There is something especially romantic about sitting down to a candlelit table at midnight. After the noisy fun of your New Year’s Eve party culminates at midnight, invite guests to gather at the table to share a meal as well as their hopes for the new year.
Get Outside Being outdoors at night is sure to make a New Year’s celebration memorable. Here are a few ideas:
For a short jaunt outdoors, head out to your balcony / terrace to make a special wish upon a star for the coming year.
If you have a fire bowl, consider having a bonfire in your compound. Invite your guests to write down something they want to let go of from 2020, then toss the slips of paper into the fire.
Party Around the World, Starting in Times Square Since you have the magic of the internet at your fingertips, it's easy to dial into celebrations around the world. In fact, this year, the world-famous party in Times Square is going entirely virtual on a newly developed website, and it includes live streamed celebrations around the globe starting at 6 p.m. You could actually say Happy New Year every hour till your party drops! Plus, in between the streams, there will games and other interactive features.
Quiet Evening of Reflection Not into staying up late? Get cosy at home instead. Turn down the lighting and put on relaxing music. Treat yourself to a new journal for 2021 and spend some time during the evening writing in it. If you find yourself stuck, try exploring one of these topics: - Write a letter from your future self describing where you are in your life at this time next year. - List what you are ready to let go of from 2020. - List fun things you want to experience in the year ahead. - Choose a word for 2021. - If you’re feeling crafty, make a moodboard to go along with the observations in your journal.
Or New Year’s Day Brunch Skip the New Year’s Eve fuss and focus your entertaining skills on New Year’s Day instead. Host your friends and family for a cheerful brunch to welcome the new year – they will be especially grateful for the pampering after overindulging during the night before.
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