Now, how does one throw a New Year’s Eve Party?
Really, what do you guys do if you are throwing a party? Tips? Menu ideas that allow you to actually be in the party, and not in the kitchen?
We ARE excited though, this house is built for people. We can’t wait to have them all here! If you live close by, email me!
December 29th, 2008 at 9:20 pm
The only tips I can think of are:
By the front door, have a vase full of water for anyone who brings flowers.
Assign a child to answer questions like “where is the bathroom” and “Where are the forks” and “Can I have just a glass of water” which always pisses me off because No, you can’t have ANY water. What a stupid question.
Oh, and assign someone else to answer the phone before the party to answer all those people who interrupt you to ask if you need them to bring something. I’ve answered yes, you can come over here and answer the phone because no one seems to think I’m organized enough to throw a party.
I would come but I dont set foot outside on News Years Eve. It’s a family event.
December 29th, 2008 at 11:02 pm
Potluck is a fabulous option — both food and booze. Provide the main dish (or main substantial contribution of cocktail nummies) and champagne, and ask your guests to bring the rest (assigning is best, honestly). Snacky stuff — crackers and cheese, out-of-a-box appetizers or make-ahead easy things keep you out of the kitchen and with your guests. Doing an all-dessert event also can make for an easy evening.
We did a year where everyone brought their favorite cocktail and board game. It was lovely.
December 30th, 2008 at 4:05 pm
Oh, it’s so nice that you are telling people to bring the kids. I haven’t been to a New Year’s Eve party since my son was born because all of my friends who throw parties have no children and therefore are not into child-friendly soirees. I bet you will make a lot of friends happy with just that one line in the invitation.
I thought about throwing a kid-friendly party myself this year, but then I remembered that my house is roughly the size of a postage stamp.
I would definitely go for an hors d’ oeuvres buffet type of menu. Stuff that is pre-made, or stuff you can mostly make the day before and therefore won’t have to fuss with the day of. Mini-quiche are fairly easy to make if you have a cupcake pan, or you can buy them frozen, and quiche can can be served chilled, which is nice. Little sandwiches or tortilla wraps made with sun dried tomatoes and cream cheese or cucumbers and dill sauce are pretty easy to make ahead, too.
December 30th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Thank you all for your ideas! I’m probably going to steal a few of these. I love the idea of assigning a child to handle those constant requests and having everyone bring a game and I adore mini food, especially easy ones!