Tips for Planning a Last-Minute New Year's Eve Celebration

With all the anticipation, thought, and planning that goes into celebrating Christmas, it's hard to fathom doing it all over again one week later. However, if you want to throw a New Year's Eve party, that's exactly what you're going to have to do.In fact, because of how busy you will be in the days, even weeks, leading up to Christmas, chances are you'll have to do the bulk of your planning in those few short days in between!

But don't fret--While this may seem like an impossible challenge, it can actually make for the most fun of celebrations.We've compiled some great tips here for how to plan a successful last-minute New Year's Eve party. So check them out, relax, take a deep breath, and then get to planning!

Send Out Hand-Written Invitations

Sending handwritten letters and invitations is a lovely, more personal tradition that is always appreciated by the recipient. For a larger, more intricately planned soiree, however, handwritten invitations are just not realistic. So here's your chance! After putting together your last-minute guest list, write up your own New Year’s invitations—This will not only show a level of personal connection to your guests, but will also will give the impression that there was a lot of effort involved!

Pick an Easy, Festive Theme

When a party is themed, it automatically becomes a little simpler to decorate--and looks a whole lot more thought-out! Choose a theme that will be easy to follow through with, and is also related to New Year's traditions. 

You can go with anything from gold and sparkles to a winter wonderland. We personally love the idea of a clocks-themed party like this one from Chickabug!

Image via Chickabug

Use Simple, Classy Decorations

You may be surprised by just how far a few simple decorations can get you when on a time crunch. By adding accents of oversized bows and hanging lights, you can easily make your entire home appear more festive and fun!

Serve Simple Yet Sophisticated Appetizers

Adorably sophisticated-looking hors d'oeuvres are always a hit at parties, and they can be surprisingly easy to make! For example, check out our fabulous idea for tomato soup shooters with mini grilled cheese. This looks complicated, but of course it's actually just as easy as making tomato soup and grilled cheese!