A special theme can make a New Year's Eve party memorable.
New Year's Eve parties usually include a great deal of eating, drinking and dancing. Switch it up by adding a theme, which gives a new dimension and excitement to the food, activities and decorations. Themes can be simple or quite elaborate, so tailor the party to the effort you want to expend and what your crowd will like.
Elegant Dinner Party
Candelabras should not impede guests' view at the table.
Have a late formal dinner with a few friends that come dressed in formal attire. Use the fancy china and silverware normally packed away for special events. Cover the table with a lace or linen tablecloth that has been passed down for generations. Candelabras or candle centerpieces create elegant decorations, especially when enhanced with fresh flowers. Food should be equally elegant. Serve champagne at midnight, but at dinner serve wines paired with each entree. Serve oysters, fillet mignon or standing rib roast and cherries jubilee. Time everything just right so dessert doesn't interfere with activities at the stroke of midnight.
Masquerade Party
Have guests try to keep their identity secret until about two hours have passed.
Masquerade parties have been popular in Europe since the Renaissance period, and they still provide entertainment today. Send out invitations that look like little masks and ask guests to come in costume. Create an air of mystery with lavish colors of gold, deep purple and black. Make centerpieces with dark red and purple flowers. Supply felt-covered masks for guests when they arrive. Masks can be decorated already or guests can decorate them with feathers, sequins, beads, lace, fabric and paint. Include party horns and noise makers for when midnight arrives. Give awards for the best, funniest and most interesting costumes. Serve simple finger food that is easy to eat in a costume.
Sock Hop
Add to a sock hop atmosphere by renting a juke box.
Usher in the new year with a bit of the past. Adults and kids will have a blast at a sock hop-themed New Year's Eve party. Ask everyone to dress in clothing popular in the 1950s, such as tight jeans, leather jackets, pedal pushers, poodle skirts, madras shirts, saddle shoes and T-shirts with rolled-up sleeves. Set up a dance floor for guests inspired by recordings of the oldies. Play games like limbo or see who can keep the hula hoop going the longest. Other activities can include making a time capsule to be opened in 10 years or enjoying old-fashioned board games. Decorate the area like a '50s diner and serve hamburgers, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, chips and fries. For a treat, serve milkshakes, malts and rootbeer floats.
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