8 Extremely Last Minute NYE Party Ideas
Let the countdown begin.
Published Mar 4, 2019 9:27 AM
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Whether your plans fell through or you had no plans at all, there’s not better way to mark a fresh start than by taking the New Year into your own hands. Some will call it spontaneity, others, an afterthought—but no matter how you feel about hosting a last-minute New Year’s Eve bash, we are here to help you pull it off in style.
Forget everything you knew about black and gold tinsel or those paper party horns that never seem to work anyway: We’ve put together a fresh list of festive ideas that are just as easy to pull off with no time to spare. Think, big batch drinks with a bubbly twist and Instagrammable backdrops you’ll want in your living room all year long.
No matter if you have a few days or mere hours to prep for your end-of-year soiree, use these quick tips to throw a bash all your guests will be talking about well into 2019. Cocktails, shimmer, and confetti included.
Glitter Fortune Cookies
Give your guests a sparkly sneak peek at what lies ahead in 2019 with Jenni Radosevich’s glitter fortune cookies. A touch of edible mist and splash of sprinkles are all you need to elevate the simple snack. Get the full how-to on I Spy DIY.
Timely Balloons
It’s time to rethink those boring balloons you snagged from the party store. Before the clock strikes midnight, set a timely tone for your bash by recreating the face of the clock on your decorations. Studio DIY’s backdrop promises to keep guests on their toes until the very last minute.
Upgraded Finger Food
Take nachos to the next level with this recipe for Crispy Buffalo Cheddar Potato Nachos. Your guests will appreciate the extra effort and be asking for the simple recipe.
An Easy Recipe for a Hard Punch
Q: What sounds better than a Blackberry Whiskey Lemonade? A: Nothing. Your guests will no doubt be impressed—and don’t be afraid to admit there are only six ingredients!.
A Crowd-Pleasing Sangria
Sangria isn’t just for summer. For guests who prefer a lighter beverage, stir up some Blood Orange Sangria. The recipe calls for two bottles of pinot grigio, lots of blood oranges, a bit of brandy, and other chopped fruits.
The Already-Made Playlist
Creating the perfect playlist takes time. Good thing music streaming services like Spotify are offering “Year in Music” playlists personalized by country, so you’ll easily be able to enjoy all your favorite hits from the past year.
Confetti Balloons
Ring in the New Year without those cheesy blow horns and instead sprinkle some confetti in your balloons before blowing them up. Instruct guests to pop them at midnight and enjoy an explosion of confetti—and glitter if you’re feeling ambitious about the required cleanup.
A Whimsical Backdrop
If you have the time to add a personalized touch, create a photo wall. Paint a banner or white sheet with whatever matches your party’s aesthetic. One step further? Hang extra Christmas greenery or flowers for a chic look, like Kristen Caissie of Moon Canyon.
See more NYE ideas:
18 New Year’s Eve Traditions From Around the World