Celebrating New Years Eve can come in many forms. For some of us, we head out for a night on the town, starting with dinner and ending up dancing the night away at a club or standing out in the cold watching live music before the fireworks start. For others,  it’s all about hosting an intimate gathering of friends and family or throwing a full-blown extravaganza. Whatever type of party you prefer to bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with, here are some ideas to ensure your gathering is the talk of the town as we count down to midnight!

1. Theme it Up!

Give your party a unique twist by choosing a fun theme. From a glamorous Gatsby affair to a cozy winter wonderland, a theme sets the tone for the night and makes your celebration stand out. You will need to make sure your guests have plenty of time to prepare for it too, so make sure you send out the invites early.

2. DIY Photo Booth

Capture memories that will last well into the new year with a DIY photo booth. Set up a backdrop, provide some props, and let your guests snap away. You can even create a designated hashtag for social media sharing! To help make the evening even more memorable, you may want to consider going old fashioned and have cameras available that print the photos out right away like a Polaroid or a Fuji Mini.

3. Countdown Activities

Keep the excitement building as the clock ticks down. Create hourly countdown activities or games to keep everyone engaged. This could include trivia, charades, or a special toast each hour. Make sure to have clocks visible at all times, or have the TV on with the Time Square countdown playing.

4. Culinary Delights

Food is a key element of any great party. Consider hosting a potluck with friends, each bringing a dish from their cultural background. Alternatively, hire a caterer or experiment with a DIY gourmet spread. Don’t forget the champagne for the midnight toast!

5. Playlist Perfection

Craft a killer playlist that spans the decades or features the hottest hits of the year. Music sets the mood, so make sure your playlist reflects the energy you want for your New Year’s celebration. Don’t worry if creating playlists isn’t your specialty either as you are sure to have someone attending your gathering that is great at it. At the very least, use a premade Spotify list to help out.

6. Midnight Surprise

Prepare a spectacular surprise for the stroke of midnight. It could be a fireworks display if you have a great backyard, confetti cannons, or even releasing sky lanterns. Make sure it’s something that will leave a lasting impression. It doesn’t have to be expensive either, just use your imagination.

7. Reflect and Set Intentions

Encourage your guests to reflect on the past year and share their resolutions for the upcoming one. Create a vision board station where everyone can visualize their goals for the new year, or have them write it down on a piece of paper so they can be anonymously read once midnight arrives.

8. Comfortable Lounge Areas

Create cozy corners with pillows and blankets, giving guests a comfortable space to relax and chat. It’s the perfect setting for intimate conversations as you reflect on the past and anticipate the future. Even if you don’t have a large space, it’s easy to make people comfortable without a lot of effort.

9. Cocktail/Mocktail Bar

Always make sure that everyone you invite is welcome at your party. This means having not only alcohol, but other drinks as well. Having a variety of refreshing drinks is key, not whether they will get your tipsy or not.

10. Send-off Goodie Bags

Even though it might sound a little corny, people will be more likely to remember your party if you send them off with a small goodie bag filled with treats, a thank-you note, and maybe even a little gift (such as frame for the picture from the photobooth) to remember the night. It’s a thoughtful way to end the evening on a positive note.

With these ideas in your party-planning arsenal, your New Year’s Eve celebration is sure to be the highlight of the year. Cheers to new beginnings, fond memories, and the promise of a fantastic year ahead!