A night out on New Yearโs Eve can be fun โ for a couple of years or so. After a while, youโre bound to get a bit tired of the over-crowded bars, the over-priced drinks and the over-all hyped expectations that tend to come with a New Yearโs Eve out on the city. If youโre looking to try something different and epic, a house party is your answer, particularly when well executed.
Hereโs our house party guide for hosting the ultimate New Yearโs Eve banger. Itโs time to step your house party game from back in your uni days up a level or two.
Drinks
If youโre going to have champagne, have enough of it. In fact, have more than enough of it as thereโs really no such thing as too much bubbly. Along with champagne, youโll need champagne glasses. There are some good, classy options out there that wonโt break the bank nor will they break on your floor (read: durable and cheap).
Aside from champagne, make it your objective to source three other drink options that will please your guests and keep them out of the kitchen. Thereโs nothing worse than a drunk bloke playing bartender all across your countertops, leaving surfaces that stick with vodka well into the new year. Your best bet is to prepare a pre-mixed, self-serve cocktail, have some beers in a bathtub or cooler, and have a few cases of wine ready for the pouring. If your house party budget is the type that allows for a bartender then, by all means, go for it.
Food
Donโt even attempt dinner food. New Yearโs Eve parties typically start late enough for you to not worry about dinner, but snacks will always be appreciated. After long hours of drinking, having some chips and dip on supply is a great idea.
Music
This is not one to leave until the last minute. Gone are the days of tame 21st parties featuring some average D-floor action thanks for an AUX cord and your mateโs brotherโs iPhone. Itโs time to sort out some proper decks and speakers. Not only does this kick-start any party vibes, but it also takes away any authority a guest might think they have to take over the music. Get a DJ โ pay him, call in a favour, or even line up your mates with hour-long sets to rotate through the evening. Get said DJ to bring proper speakers, call in a favour or even hire your own if you need to. You should also keep the dance floor tight.
If your party simply isnโt going to be this large, have speakers and a playlist sorted ahead of time. We like the Google Home Max here at the office because, though it works well as a personal assistant of sorts, it can also pack quite the punch in terms of volume and clarity for any apartment or unit. Sonos is also producing some high-quality speakers in some fun limited time colours. Good ideas of things to add to your Christmas wishlist, also.
The Party Tricks
Watermelon kegs โ Exactly what it sounds like. Hollowed out watermelons filled with fruity alcoholic goodness and then tapped.
Actual beer kegs โ Theyโre not cheap, but theyโll make sure youโll no oneโs drink is empty all night.
Pool floats โ Itโs summer for New Yearโs Eve in Australia, which means that a pool or body of water isnโt far off. A couple of inflatable flamingos or the like will be a surefire hit for anyone who decides to go for a dip.
Sparklers โ Depending on the crowd obviously but itโs a great one to have on standby.
Lights โ Both for the D-floor and the houseโs surrounds. Some re-adapted Christmas lights inside require very little effort but yield great ambience results.
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