Transform your home for the perfect New Year’s Eve party
Go all out and erect a tent for you and your guests to see in the new year in style! By covering your dining table this way, you create a dramatic effect that will surely leave an impression, and it will also help to keep out a number of insects.Tip: If you don’t think that you will get multiple uses out of a tent, then many party rental stores offer them in a variety of shapes, sizes and colours
Why not start the party with a little friendly competition? Board games are an excellent way to get the whole family involved, plus they can help while away the hours leading up to the countdown. Tip: If you are celebrating with guests who don’t know each other, mix the teams to encourage conversation
Create a statement serving table with blackboard paint. Simply pick up a can of blackboard paint from your local hardware store and paint an old or inexpensive table to wow your guests. You can label a selection of foods this way, or even write individual notes to each party-goer.Tip: Why not leave the chalk out so that your guests can leave their own personal New Year’s Eve messages?
Add a touch of drama to your outdoor space by using torches throughout the garden. Stagger them at different heights to give a real vacation effect. The great thing about these is that you can start burning them during the day time when your guests start to arrive, and they will look progressively more stunning as the sun goes down.Tip: To protect your party-goers from pesky insects, invest in the inexpensive bamboo citronella variety
Pick up a vintage bar trolley at your local flea market and stock it up with your favourite drinks. Add an ice bucket to keep the champagne at the perfect temperature until midnight, and then chat with each of your guests as you show off your mixology skills.Tip: Be sure to remember those who aren’t partaking in alcohol during the festivities by offering a selection of fresh juices
If you are throwing a sit-down dinner, it’s easy to make over your dining table to get it in the spirit for celebration. Select a range of your favourite fresh cut blooms in a variety of colours and arrange throughout the centre of the table. Then, choose a patterned table cloth and napkins to inject some freshness.Tip: Add some lemonade to the water that you are storing your flowers in so that you can enjoy them well into 2017
If you have friends who love to boogie, then the inclusion of a disco ball is sure to get the party started. Hang one above the dining table to create a fun centrepiece before moving furniture aside and using the space as a dance floor.Tip: If you are having trouble hanging your disco ball, another option is to simply lay it on the floor where it will cast funky shadows as it reflects different lights
It doesn’t matter if you are thrashing ACDC or Jessica Mauboy on New Year’s Eve, a party ain’t a party without your favourite tunes! Dust off your vinyl collection and crank up your speakers to ensure that you have the hottest party on the block.Tip: If you are partying outside, invest in some extra-long cable wire so that you can move one (or both!) of your speakers outside
The addition of a firepit will not only bring back memories of camping, it will also create a great centerpiece for guests to gather around. Skewer up some marshmallows and Tim Tams, and then toast them just before the clock strikes midnight.Tip: If you don’t have the time to install a permanent firepit, there are a number of freestanding options available from your local hardware store
Lanterns are an excellent way to decorate your outdoor space when hosting a party. Get adventurous by choosing a range of coloured shades, or opt for white to get a more minimal effect. If you are celebrating indoors, then lanterns can also be hung easily from the roof or rafters.Tip: If you have a pool area, you can add an element of fun by stringing lanterns above it
Get tropical and turn your home into a candy-coloured playhouse! We’re lucky to be able to celebrate the holiday season during the summer months, so embrace this by adding bright decorations and balloons throughout your home. Use flamingos, pineapples and pastel-coloured hues to maximise the impact of this look.Tip: Be sure to whip up a batch of pina coladas to greet guests on arrival (don’t forget an obligatory cocktail umbrella!)
We all love a photo booth, so why not bring this idea to your place for New Year’s Eve? Pick up a polaroid camera, and then make sure to get a snap of all your guests before the night is through. Hang the pictures on a photo wall during the evening to create an impromptu feature wall, and then gift guests their picture before they head home.Tip: Easily assemble a quick photo display area using string and wooden pegs
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