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Caught up in an anticipatory moment of ringing in 2012, you announce to your friends that you’ll host a New Year’s Eve party. Now the reality has set in and after thinking about the logistics and costs, you’re feeling more stressed than celebratory. If you’re playing hostess this year, follow these tips for a successful New Year’s Eve party on a budget.
The most costly part of your party is likely to be the alcohol. Most people like to indulge in a festive drink on New Year’s Eve and will expect some alcohol to be available at the party. Make a large batch of alcoholic punch fit for the holidays, like a spiked cider or cranberry punch. Rather than leaving the measuring to your guests, you control the amount of alcohol by how much you put into the punch. Plus, punch is easy to serve and guests can help themselves, freeing you up from playing bartender all night! On the invitation you may wish to mention that some beverages will be available but if there is a special drink a guest wishes to enjoy that they can bring it along.
Another way to save on costs is to have a later start time for your party. Steer clear of dinner hours so that guests won’t be expecting dinner. Enlist some co-hosts who can help share the costs of food by bringing a favorite dish. Finger foods like cheese and deli platters, fruit trays, and veggies and dip are great for large parties.
Finally, skip the DJ and make a fun, holiday play list on your iPod ahead of time. Hit play when your guests arrive and you wont have to think about the music for the rest of the night.
Happy New Year!
