Plan a New Year's Game Night
New Year's doesn't have to be glitz and glam. A simple night in with loved ones can be just as much - if not more - fun. We love the idea of a game night for all ages. Use these tips to plan a get-together with your gal pals, neighborhood families, or local couples for a New Year's Eve celebration that's sure to be memorable - and maybe a little competitive.
Pick the Games
After you decide on a guest list, select the games accordingly. If it's a group of couples, try classic card games like spades or a round of Yahtzee. Board games are great for kids and adults alike. Scatter several around your living room to create zones for different types of play. Charades can also be a fun game for both kids and adults. BONUS: Ask guests to bring a favorite game, so everyone gets a turn at something he or she loves to play.
Prep the Snacks
Don't forget the food. Nothing works up an appetite quite like a little competition. We suggest appetizer-style foods that allow guests to nibble throughout the evening. Spinach dip, sushi (make sure to serve on a chilled tray), and miniature quiches are popular for girls nights or couples gatherings, while families may prefer pizza dip, pigs in a blanket, and brownies. If you're in a nail-biting game, you may find solace in reaching for a handful of snack mix, candy-coated chocolates, or nuts. Scatter bowls of these around the room to satisfy everyone's cravings. As for drinks, if you want a midnight toast, we love these champagne flutes fit for a New Year's fête. If you're looking to warm up guests of all ages on a cold winter's night, serve hot cocoa in these mugs, which come with socks as an added bonus for you to use.
Keep It Casual
Keep the night casual. Tell guests to come dressed in comfortable clothes or impose a PJs only rule - which means you'll be ready for bed after the clock strikes midnight. Keep your favorite playlist or a roundup of the year's top hits playing in the background for a light, cheerful mood. And, be sure to have “Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve on the television so you can watch the ball drop and ring in 2019.