Josh Elledge - Chief Executive Angel
By the time New Year's Eve rolls around, the holiday parties we've already attended and thrown have taken their toll; financially, time-wise, and creatively. But if hosting a New Year's Party still sounds like fun, here are some helps.
To make it fun, with little work:
(1) Throw a simple theme party. (Not a “˜Hey, it's a new year', either!) Something like “ugly sweaters”, where each guest wears the ugliest sweater they can find. Or a mask party where each guest wears a fun mask.
(2) Plan easy, interactive games to get guests laughing and mingling.
– One suggestion is, “˜Who am I'? Each guest has a nametag stuck onto their forehead. On it is something they “˜are', such as broccoli or a stop sign. The individual is not allowed to know what is on their own tag. They must ask questions throughout the night in the attempt to figure out what they are. (You'll want to take down mirrors if you have them hung on your family/living room walls.)
– Another easy, no prep game is “˜Two Truths and a Lie'. In this game, each person states three things about themselves, of which two are true, and one is made up. Other guests then must decide which one is the lie.
(3) Dump those white elephants. Have every guest bring one unwanted Christmas gift they received. Either play a game or just let people swap the items. One person's unwanted gift might be just what another hoped for!
To make it nearly free:
(1) Use “˜hodge-podge tableware'. Ask each party-goer to bring miscellaneous paper/plastic tableware they have; no matter what it has on it. Not only does this save the expense”“ it's entertaining to see what you get.
(2) Choose a focus for the food and have all guests contribute. Consider doing a taco bar, hot potato bar, or the like. Each guest brings just one item ““ such as shredded cheese or sour cream.
(3) Start your party late at night. It is, after all, a New Year's Eve Party. And the earlier the party, the more snacks and supplies you'll need to buy.
(4) Throw a “˜leftovers' party. Guests bring any leftover holiday foods/goodies they have. A mostly free potluck style buffet will result ““ bringing with it a unique combination of selections.
