Ban Big Ben clichés this New Year and say no to pre-recorded Jules Holland: Alternative New Year’s Eve ideas
Where will you be on 31 December as 2013 kicks off? Will you be at the pub with the usual crowd, having paid an extortionate sum just to get in? Or will you be at some dreary party at the neighbours who you always go to just because it’s the easiest and nearest option, you don’t want to offend them, public transport is a nightmare and you resent paying the hiked up cab fares? (That’s if you can find a taxi without booking it sometime in June.)
Of course, you may just need to stay in and spend it with Jools Holland and the telly, because babysitters are about as plentiful and affordable as the taxis and restaurant tables. Alternatively, why not host your own party this year and stay in control of the fun and who you get to spend the evening with. And you won’t even have to leave your home to enjoy it.
You’ll need to make your bash stand out a from the crowd to avoid it becoming just another dull suburban New Year’s Eve do (unless you’re having an Abigail’s Party theme, of course!).
Here are some thoughts for creating an evening that’s memorable for all the right reasons:
- Put serious thought into the music needed to create the atmosphere you want – and encourage guests to bring along their own sounds
- Invite children so no-one has to pay for a babysitter. Think about how you’ll keep them occupied and whether and where they can sleep until it’s time to go home so parents don’t have to leave early
- An elegantly arranged champagne bucket or a waterfall of fizz over champagne flutes are classy touches, as are stylish champagne cocktails
- Provide cards for everyone to write down their New Year’s resolutions
- All that standing around until midnight can seem eternal. You’ll need some games or other entertainment – how about a deck of glamorous gold-coloured playing cards?
- Number glasses 1-12 so everyone has to call out their number at the relevant ‘bong’ of the clock as the New Year is rung in
- The Spanish pop a grape in their mouth for every chime of the New Year bells. The results can be hilarious…
- Think confetti-filled favours (small gifts) for your guests, or just throw confetti at midnight for a change – as long as you’re prepared to clear it up afterwards, of course!
- Asking guests to bring some food to share can be a sensitive one, but in these difficult times no-one has much spare cash, so don’t feel embarrassed to suggest everyone brings a plate of tucker along with the usual bottle
Alternatively, of course, you could forget party hosting and see 2013 in elegant style by treating yourself to a New Year’s Eve break with Superbreak. No worrying about transport, clearing up or hiked-up fees, and everything included in one affordably priced package.
