Food, deco, music- check, check, check. With so many things to consider when hosting that epic NYE party, read our blog for some tips and tricks.
New Year's Eve — a perfect time for so many people of all ages across the global village, whether it's to end a magnificent year with a bang, to welcome a new start and to ring in a new year of endless possibilities or even to just pause, catch your breath and enjoy a break from the daily grind.
For some, the year-end is a chance to unwind and reflect, while for many others, New Year's Eve is synonymous with parties and partying, and while some may choose a chic speakeasy at which to chill with friends, and others may choose the loudest, trendiest nightspot in town with which to make merry and dance the night away, there are others who prefer to host a house party at their own crib or organise a group party with co-organisers from their inner circle.
If you are choosing the latter and think it's a great opportunity to perfect your hosting skills and think you have the talent for throwing a perfect NYE party, we're sharing with you some helpful hints, tips and tricks to take the hassle and stress out of party hosting.
A party is not a party unless the spread of food and drinks is, at the very least, (a) enough for invited guests and their plus-ones (or even plus-twos) and (b) guaranteed to loosen everyone up, or even, get everyone so relaxed and happy that the pace of the party picks up.
As a host, you should remember people have differing and varied tastes, so do show how considerate and thoughtful you are by having not only a plentiful supply of different foods and drinks, but also something for everyone (including the vegans, the non-drinkers and perhaps your favourite auntie who has the allergy to nuts but loves her tipple of G&T). The last thing you want during the NYE countdown is someone having a severe food reaction.
Similarly, do prepare (or order) food that can be held or eaten with one hand or a single utensil. (Unless you're dead set on inviting a small number that can fit around your dining table, then, by all means, go wild with cooking a dinner that guests can enjoy leisurely with the full spread of cutlery.)
For the casual parties, remember, most of your guests will be mingling and chatting, often with a drink in hand, and it's easier for them to eat food that has been sliced or cut into bite-sized pieces. Now you understand why canapes and hors d'oeuvres are so popular and not at all cliché.
You could always holler at your squad and ask them to bring food; just remember to keep track of who's bringing what so that your party isn't offering three types of salad, five bags of crisps and one tray of cream puffs.