Want to host a New Year's Eve party this year? Here are some tips so you can throw a fabulous party to ring in the new year.
* If you are planning on hosting your party at a club, hall or restaurant, you will want to book the venue months in advance. New Year's Eve parties are events that are planned sometimes an entire year in advance, so if there is a special place you would like to host yours, you must book it at least three to six months before New Year's Eve to guarantee you will get it.
* The entire New Year's Eve party does not have to be hosted at your home. Some people choose to go out with their guests to comedy clubs or bars a few hours before the clock strikes midnight, since many fun events are held this night. They will then head back to the site of the party to bring in the New Year in a more intimate setting. If this is something you plan on doing, speak with your guests beforehand to see if this is something they would like to do, and, if so, what type of event they would like to go to. Arrange adequate transportation before the date by speaking with friends who might agree to car pool.
* When decorating for your party, think of a fun theme and stick to it. While it is nice and completely appropriate to simply string up a few random balloons and throw out some confetti on the table, it is a little more festive to maintain a constant fun theme around the area you will be hosting the party in. Use your Christmas lights in creative ways on the ceiling or walls. Have disposable cameras in strategic spots around the room so your guests can simply pick them up and take candid shots.
* While a sit-down dinner would be truly elegant, for a party like this when guests will be mingling all night long, whip up an array of finger foods and appetizers. Instead of putting them all on one table, station them at different spots around the room and be sure to keep them filled. For the midnight toast, do not forget to have chilled champagne and cider (for guests who do not drink alcohol) available. In addition, have different beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic available for your guests.
* A great host who is serving alcohol at a party will be sure that all guests have a way to get home that evening. Be sure to have room available at your home for any guests who may need to spend the night. Make sure that there are designated drivers for all guests, so that everybody can get home safely. Also, many taxi services offer free transportation on New Year's Eve, so be sure to call around.
