Ring it in Without Leaving Your House | A New Year’s Eve Party at Home

Entertaining

How are you planning to ring in the New Year? For my family, it’s either dressing up and going out with my husband or counting down with our kids, in our PJs. This year, I wanted to do something a little different, add in a few of our friends and host a simple and fun New Year’s Eve party in my home. I don’t usually lean toward simple, so today I’m at Proof of the Pudding to pick up a few tips on how to host a party at home that doesn’t have to be complicated to be memorable … and, of course, learn a few new cocktail recipes while I’m here.

Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve yet? I’m excited to share what I’ve learned with you, and can’t wait to hear how you ring it in at midnight!

Tip #1 – Plan a Mixer Game | The best kind of party is the one where every guest has a great time. Good conversation is the key to that, and if you hear everyone mingling, you know it’ll be a fun night. These sparkly little Party Hats from Paper Source make nailing the party look easy, but they double as interactive (and adorable) ice breakers, so everyone gets comfortable with each other as soon as they put them on. You just might be tempting to play all night!

Tip #2 – Use Festive and Easy Décor | When the theme is sparkling gold and silver, the décor part can be really fun to curate. But to keep it simple, these Gold Confetti Crackers from Paper Source blend chic and simple with bursting confetti for entertaining insta-sparkle that looks as pretty on the table as it does in action.

Tip #3 – Skip Resolutions | Resolutions are a given, but hardly anyone takes them seriously – at least not after a few weeks of January goes by. Instead of asking guests to make declarations, create lasting impressions with Little Letters of Thanks by Paper Source. The tiny cardboard punch cards and sticker adornments offer an easy and inspiring way to send notes of gratitude to friends and family all year long. That’s a kind of resolution that feels so good, it’ll be impossible not to keep.

Tip #4 – Get Crafty with Cocktail | When your cocktail is this pretty, make it memorable by sending guests home with a favor that keeps on fizzing. I love that the blushing bubbly recipe is luxuriously printed on creamy cardstock, so guests can treasure the taste of the party – an “Mmm” -inspiring memory of your NYE celebration. Check out our recipe below!

Tip #5 –Keep Everyone Fed | It’s no secret this is key when it comes to hosting a part, but it doesn’t have to get overwhelming or expensive. First, schedule your party to start after dinnertime, so guests come ready to celebrate instead of expecting a full meal. Then, keep the food display easy with the formula of 2-3 savory dishes alongside 2-3 sweet treats. The simple spread gives guests something to nibble on as they sip their cocktails.

Whatever kind of celebration you plan, I hope this New Year’s Eve is extra special, something that inspires you to Dream, Love and Celebrate Life!

COCKTAIL RECIPES

Georgia Royale
Ingredients
4 oz Prosecco
1/2 oz Peach Schnapps
1 oz raspberry simple syrup (in beverage cooler)

Directions
Garnish with a toasted candied lemon & raspberry wheel, and serve in a fluted glass.

Gin & Juice
Ingredients
2 oz gin
1 oz Grand Marnier
1/2 oz lemon juice

Directions
Combine all ingredients in a glass. Top off with Prosecco until desired sweetness, then roll into a highball over ice, pouring back and forth between two glasses until well mixed. Garnish with a lemon wheel.