32 Festive New Year’s Eve Party Ideas You Have to Try
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The countdown to the New Year has finally arrived and there’s only one thing more crucial than watching the ball drop: throwing a fantastic New Year's Eve party. And if you're on the hunt for ideas, you have options. Whether you want to curate the perfect event with dazzling appetizers, inspiring champagne toasts and the very best sparkling decorations at your own home, or you’re going for something a little more low-key and a kid-friendly, but still tons of fun, we’re here to provide you with festive New Year’s party ideas that will leave all of your guests in awe.
With this list, you'll be able to instantly level up your New Year’s Instagram posts, dessert table and games. Plus, a lot of these ideas can also be easily incorporated into any NYE party theme you may want to achieve. We also know that it's still important to take necessary precautions to protect your health and that of your loved ones during the ongoing pandemic. So, even if you’re aiming for a virtual celebration opposed to a lively in-person get together, we have a ton of fun ideas too, including top games that can be played on Zoom.
Create a Hat and Crown Display
Sure you can always purchase a few hats and crowns to wear on New Years Eve, but why not get your guests involved with an interactive display. It looks amazing and it's super festive.
Get the tutorial at Lovely Indeed »
Decorate with streamers
Who says that New Year's Eve has to be all about glitter and metallics. In our opinion, this multicolored streamer installation is just as fun.
Get the tutorial at Tell Love and Party »
Have a Dinner Party
While throwing a blowout shindig may be expected for New Year's Eve, a festive dinner party can be just as fun. In fact, you can go all out with a beautiful tablescape, including sparklers, gold and silver cutlery and of course individual bottles of champagne.
Get the tutorial at Modern Glam »
Plan an Activity For Each Hour Until Midnight
In this fun game, partygoers get to open an activity card each hour until midnight (with the exception of the final card which is marked 11:45.) Each card will have a different engaging activity to keep everyone awake through the night. There is a version for kids and a version for adults.
Get the tutorial at DIY Inspired »
Play New Year's Eve Bingo
Bingo is a game that never gets old. So, introduce the classic game to your guests at this year's party. You can even turn it into a scavenger hunt with everyone checking off a block as they discover it around the party.
Get the tutorial at Crazy Little Projects »
Throw a Pajama Party
Most New Year's Eve activities occur at night anyway, so why not dress like it? Spice up your festive pjs with DIY feather trim.
Get the tutorial at Artfully Alissa »
Decorate With Clock Balloons
Counting down to midnight is the most important part of New Year's Eve. Add the thrill of the countdown to your decor with DIY clock balloons. These are easy enough to recreate with a few number stickers and construction paper.
Get the tutorial at Studio DIY »
Have a New Year's Resolution Jar
Get everyone thinking about their New Year's resolutions by encouraging them to write down their goals. Put a jar out with blank cards or pieces of paper, so everyone can stash theirs in their purse or pocket.
Create Mini Champagne Bottle Labels
Your pals will be so excited to see they each get a mini champagne bottle as a party favor (even if they live at home with you, and they probably saw you assemble them). You can print up your own, or go for a surprisingly cheap label designed by a pro.
Create Mini Champagne Bottle Labels
amazon.com
$12.99
Make It a Game Night
Get the party going with a good, old-fashioned board game. Scrabble and Yahtzee are always fun, but Pictionary will always keep the crowd engaged. The kids in particular will love this!
Make It a Game Night
amazon.com
$21.75
pictionaryHave a Countdown Wall
Here's an adorable photo wall idea! The countdown is a big part of NYE tradition, and this easy-to-make backdrop is the perfect way to ring in the New Year.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Have an Ice Breaker Ready
Instead of traditional card games, try a printable challenge like this "Drink If" game so everyone can get to know each other better. You can instantly download a PDF of these cards on Etsy and print them out on card stock. You can also customize the text on the bottom to fit your group better!
Try Your Hand at Mixology
Cocktails and New Year's Eve go hand-in-hand, after all. If you're celebrating in person, have everyone in your household come prepared to make a batch cocktail of their favorite drink — just make sure you get enough supplies ahead of time.
RELATED: Best New Year's Eve Drinks to Elevate Your Party
Decorate Your Drinks
Sure, champagne is already festive — but there are a few ways to kick it up a notch. Before your party, hot glue a few gold pom-poms onto wooden skewers to make your drink a little more exciting.
Get the tutorial at Kristi Murphy »
Recap the Year
A lot can happen in 365 days, and New Year's Eve is a great time to reflect on it all. Choose the most special moment that you experienced this year, and everyone can join in on your feel-good story!
Assemble a Disco Wall
A fringe backdrop like this is a simple way to completely (and non-permanently!) transform your space, and a silver or gold one will help create a cool disco atmosphere. You can add some celestial balloons or a pastel garland for a pop of color.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »
Dance It Out
Have everyone you're celebrating with choose one song, and then turn them all into one big dance party playlist. Spotify has a feature where multiple users can edit a playlist, so that should make it easy. It'll be fun trying to guess who added what.
RELATED: Best Songs to Rock Out to This New Year’s Eve
Create an Instagram-Friendly Balloon Wall
Spell out an inspirational phrase in balloons on the wall and share it with everyone on Instagram. You can also purchase a full set of matching party balloons, but you'll need to add helium if you want 'em to float.
Serve Boozy Desserts
On New Year's Eve, it's totally acceptable to put alcohol in everything — especially dessert. These champagne cupcakes will be a hit all night long.
Design a Crown
Instead of a generic dollar store crown, create your own festive tiara this year. This silver star headpiece is perfect for the occasion, but remember, a little glitter goes a long way.
Get the tutorial at The House That Lars Built »
Add Frozen Grapes to Your Wine
Eating grapes at midnight is a New Year's tradition. All you need is a bunch of grapes and a wine of your choice. Once they are done freezing, you can eat them as is or put them in your drink to add extra flavor.
Get the tutorial at Julie Blanner »
DIY Noisemakers
A New Year's Eve countdown isn't complete without noisemakers. These adorable, glitter infused bells are perfect for shaking when the ball drops.
Get the tutorial at A Nightowl Blog »
Add Some Sparkle to Your Champagne
Ditch the red Solo cups (and your breakable glasses!) and opt for sparkly plastic flutes instead. They'll make you look (and feel) fancier without having to risk breaking the good stuff (not to mention the cleanup will be a breeze).
Deck Out Your Bar Cart
This bar cart definitely makes the case for wreaths past Christmas, especially when they're a chic silver color like this one. Don't forget to grab the ingredients for seasonal cocktails, like a Blood Orange Spritz, Cherry Bomb Fizz and Sparkling Wine Mojito Punch.
Get the tutorial at A Kailo Chic Life »
DIY Confetti Poppers
Feeling crafty and don't mind a mess to clean up on the first day of the New Year? You can make your own confetti poppers to pop at midnight by using tissue paper and cake pop shooters.
Get the tutorial at Simply Dovie »
Have Photo Booth Props on Hand
You know everyone in your household is going to be taking tons of photos all night, so make sure you set up a cute spot with festive supplies. Bonus points if you keep an instant camera around for pictures!
Don't Forget the Sparklers
If there's one thing that's for sure, it's that you need a plan for when the clock strikes midnight! Sparklers are a fun (and often inexpensive) idea to go with a champagne toast (outside, of course).
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