Ring in the New Year with festive party ideas

FALLBROOK – Although New Year’s Eve parties tend to be similar from year to year, hosts can explore the many ways to make their celebrations stand out from those of years past. This handy guide provides ideas to get the creative juices flowing.

Establish a color palette. Many people equate New Year’s Eve with the gold and silver hues of champagne. However, a host can use any festive color for a party. Use the same colors on everything from invitations to dinnerware to take-home favors.

Encourage guest input. Guests understand the cost of hosting and the amount of planning necessary to throw a festive party, and many will likely reach out to ask what they can do or bring. A host can figure out in advance which aspects of the party she wants her guests to take care of so she has a ready answer when the inquiries start rolling in.

Keep musical tastes in mind. A fun party usually includes an array of familiar songs and music that appeals to the masses. When compiling a party playlist, the host should choose songs guests are sure to know and love and mix them in with a few of his favorites. He can even ask guests to provide the names of three favorite songs when they RSVP.

Dim the lights. Bright lights can make guests feel intimidated and awkward. Set the mood by turning off overhead lights, opting for ambient lighting instead. For a fun effect, string holiday lights around the room or use a portable disco ball to spread sparkling colors on the floor and ceiling. Candles are another option for intimate affairs, but should be avoided as a safety measure if having a large crowd.

Set out New Year’s fill-in-the-blank cards. Encourage guest participation with an entertaining idea. Print out small cards that guests have to complete. Phrases like, “The bad habit I want to quit is ___” or “____ was the silliest thing I did last year,” can be fun to do and share. Guests can take turns guessing whose card is being read.

Have the party catered. Unless the hosts want to spend the evening in and out of the kitchen, they can invest in catering. Guests of a late party won’t expect a three course meal. However, platters of sandwiches, appetizers and other little munchies will fit the bill. Remember, caterers may book up fast this time of year, so be sure to reserve service well in advance of the party.

Create a specialty drink. In addition to toasting champagne or sparkling wine, serve a specialty drink creation. This can be a beverage that ties into the color scheme or the theme of the party. Dessert drinks, such as chocolate martinis or vanilla cake-flavored vodka mixers, may be the right flavor for this affair. The host should also remember to provide non-alcoholic alternatives as well.

Consider more substantial food after midnight. Encourage guests to eat more and drink less once the clock has struck midnight. Casseroles and other baked dishes are easy to make in advance and have on hand. A breakfast buffet of pancakes, toast and omelets also will fill guests up with something more substantial than chips and dips.

New Year’s Eve parties are a great way to reflect on the last year and look forward to a new one, and hosts can take steps to make their parties memorable for all the right reasons.