New Year's Eve at Home: How to Host an Easy Countdown Party

Not everyone wants to fight the crowds downtown on December 31. A New Year's Eve party at home can be just as fun, and a lot more relaxed. Whether you're hosting a few close friends or the whole family, here's how to ring in the new year without the stress.

Choose your party style

• Cozy night in: a few friends, comfy clothes, snacks, and a movie before the countdown.
• Glam and sparkle: dress up, add gold and silver decor, and serve sparkling drinks.
• Family-friendly: games, an early "kids' countdown," and a later one for the grown-ups.

Decorate with sparkle

New Year's Eve is all about shine. A few easy touches go a long way:

• Gold, silver, and black balloons, including big number balloons for the new year
• A metallic fringe curtain as a photo backdrop
• String lights and candles for a warm glow
• Confetti on the table (just a little, for easy cleanup)
• Party hats, tiaras, and noisemakers for midnight

Find balloon garlands, table runners and string lights in our Table & Party and Holiday Lights collections.

Keep the food simple

Skip the sit-down dinner. Finger foods let guests eat, mingle, and stay up late.

• A snack board with cheese, crackers, fruit, and nuts
• Sliders or mini sandwiches
• A popcorn bar with fun toppings
• Chocolate-dipped strawberries or pretzels
• A sparkling drink station, with a non-alcoholic option for kids and drivers

Fun ways to pass the time

• Year-in-review game: everyone shares their best moment of the year.
• Resolution guessing: write resolutions on cards anonymously, then guess who wrote each one.
• Photo booth: props, a backdrop, and a phone on a tripod.
• Board games or card games for the hours before midnight.
• Watch the ball drop: many families tune in to the Times Square countdown on TV.

A countdown for the kids

Little ones probably won't make it to midnight, and that's okay. Try a "noon year's eve" or an early countdown at 8 or 9 p.m. Fill a bag with balloons and drop it from the ceiling, hand out noisemakers, and celebrate together before bedtime.

Make midnight memorable

• Hand out noisemakers and party poppers five minutes before midnight.
• Count down together out loud from 10.
• Toast to the new year with sparkling cider or champagne.
• Take one big group photo right after midnight.

Cheers to a happy, healthy new year from all of us at ARVOU! 🥂