How to Throw an Improptu New Year's Eve Party

By Stacey Banks
Style and Focus Lifestyle PR

All of a sudden you decided you wanted to host a New Year's Eve Party. Nothing big or fancy just a fun party to celebrate the new year. You've already invited your friends and have the music picked-out but what else.

What to Eat & What to Pour:

Food:
A quick and simply appetizer to make is bruschetta. Toasted bread topped with garlic, tomatoes, salt & pepper and Parmesan cheese. Hopefully you checked out your fridge and cabinets to see what staples you have if not after work (hopefully you'll get out early) pick up some loaves of French or Italian bread, a couple of cans of diced tomatoes, freshly grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic, extra virgin olive oil, and fresh basil (optional).

Another serving suggestion is to create a platter of an assortment of cheeses, fresh fruit along side a small bowl of marinated olives with an assortment of crackers and toothpicks (cheat sheet: find marinated olives at the grocery store). You could also serve brie cheese drizzled with honey and sprinkled with fresh herbs. Finishing touches: chips or popcorn in a big bowl and an assortment of dips and dipping oils for the veggies.

Short on time, you can always pick up a ready-to-serve fruit, cheese, veggie, meat and/or shrimp party platters in the deli and bakery section at your grocery store and order a couple of cheese pizzas (you can add your own toppings). If the containers don't look as great as the food just place everything on one of your serving platters or plates. This especially goes for removing the pizza out of the box.

Desserts:
Arrange various cookies, cupcakes, pies, cakes, pastries etc on a small table with plenty of napkins.


Beverages:
An open bar is best because it gives you time to enjoy the party. Set out ice, wine (red and white), non-alcoholic beverages: water, pop, juice, and a signature cocktail served in a pitcher. To ring in the new year don't forget the champagne or sparkling wine. Two affordable options: Tosti Asti Italian Sparkling Wine (retails for $8.25) and Cook's Grand Reserve California Champagne (retails for $5.25). A great option for mimosas for brunch is J. Roget Extra Dry Champagne (retails for $3.37).

The Decore:
You want to keep it simple but you still want the glam factor. A few options: 1) Place black top hats (cheat sheet: find at the dollar store) filled with noise makers, horns, and confetti around the room. 2) Place colorful Christmas ornaments (or just use either silver or gold) in bowls or cylinders with horns and noise makers. 3) Fill glassware (it doesn't have to match) with mini marshmallows and candy canes.

Don't forget to clear away the clutter and lock doors you don't want guests entering.

Keep lighting medium-low and for additional lighting use Christmas lights in glassware in place of candles.


Most important:
This is the last party of the year and you should have as much fun as your guest so don't over do it and don't try to be the Perfect Host. Just relax and have a great time. Also, provide guests with numbers for the taxi to make sure they won't drink and drive.