If you are in the process of planning a New Year’s Eve party, you likely want to make the event as stress-free as possible. While there is always some stress involved in planning any event, here are several steps you can take in reducing the amount of stress involved as you are planning your New Year’s Eve party. This article will help keep the stress level to a minimum and guest participation at a maximum.
Consider making the dress for the event casual instead of formal to create a more stress-free environment.
We once used the theme of a “Hair Ball”. Everybody showed up in crazy wigs and we played music from the “Hair Band” era. This simple twist can be very effective for reducing the stress level but increasing the memories and photo-ops for the guests.
Use your imagination. Make it simple with a unique twist that will put your guests in an immediate happy place. Stress does not live there.
It also helps to reduce the stress level when guests are aware of a more casual party. You may find better participation than an elaborate meal followed by a waltz from a stringed quartet.
Regardless of the type of food, you decide to serve, preparing the food for a New Year’s Eve party can be a significant cause of stress. Outsource that job. Nearly every restaurant in town offers take out or delivery. The trick is to order food that won’t “die” (like french fries). This leaves the host free to focus on other elements of the party and minimal time in the kitchen. After all, the host deserves a stress-free evening as well.
One fun way to do this is to make the party a potluck event. Having guests bring dishes such as side dishes, salads, appetizers, desserts, and even main dishes or drinks greatly reduces the amount of work for the host. In this scenario, the host only has to worry about providing one or two items and coordinating the other guests to ensure they do not all bring similar items.
Another inexpensive option which can help to reduce the amount of stress typically associated with preparing the food for a New Year’s Eve party is to serve only appetizers, desserts and cocktails at the party. This is significantly less expensive as appetizers are traditionally much less expensive than main course items. In this case, still get an assortment of sides and appetizers from a few local restaurants. Now, all you need is spoons!
Most New Year’s Eve parties do not start until 8:00-9:00 at night. It is fair to assume most guests will have had dinner earlier in the evening. As a courtesy to the guests, just let them know that only appetizers and desserts will be served.
However you decide to ring in the New Year (and New Decade) eliminate the stress of the previous Holidays. This is a time for fun and no stress.
Have a “Ball” and stay safe.