The countdown to 2024 has officially begun and what better way to ring in the New Year than with a glamorous party that will leave all your guests feeling special.
Throwing a New Year’s Eve party is a big responsibility, which is why it pays to be prepared. Whether you’re planning a soiree for scores of people, or a close family gathering, we’re here with our top tips for hosting a NYE party like no other.
Set the scene with an eye-catching tablescape
If you’re looking to create an unforgettable evening, then a dazzling tablescape is a must. Of course, every well-designed table starts with a theme. For an elegant look, opt for a timeless neutral colour palette, or if you’re after a more rustic feel, pair together vintage-inspired décor and natural, rugged materials.
Your tablescape needn’t be dramatic, but if you want to capture your guests’ attention and create a memorable night for everyone, combining bold colours with statement patterns can create a harmonious yet captivating balance. Our Blue Italian 16 Piece Dinner Set is the perfect example of this with its intricate design and illustrious cobalt blue design. Pair against a dramatic dark tablecloth and light plenty of tall candles to create an inviting party atmosphere that feels special.
If you’re feeling brave, add contrasting vibrant colours to introduce character and energy into your entertaining space.
Try your hand at mixology
You want to be able to enjoy your night just as much as your guests – and the best way to do this is by packing your party with fun activities. Cocktails go hand in hand with New Year’s Eve, which is why a masterclass could be just the ticket to keeping your guests entertained.
Take the lead by demonstrating how to make a signature festive cocktail. This could be anything from a Cranberry Margarita or a Pomegranate Martini to a non-alcoholic Cherry Mojito. Alternatively, why not get your guests to do some of the hard work by asking them to come up with their own tipples? You could even turn it into a friendly competition!
Of course, no cocktail party is complete without some sparkling glassware. If you’re a keen amateur bartender, you may wish to get specific glasses for each type of cocktail. Or for something that will see you through the next year opt for glassware that is timeless in its shape and classically simple but sophisticated in its style, such as the Kit Kemp Flow glassware collection.
Serve up a treat
The festive season is about spending quality time with loved ones and there’s no better way to do that than by gathering around the table to tuck into a tasty feast and reminisce about the year gone by. NYE isn’t quite as formal as Christmas, so you can have a bit of fun with the food. Try something new, like a spiced honey-glazed halloumi and fig salad, or for a more traditional dish, a beef wellington will make a showstopping centrepiece.
As with Christmas dinner, it’s best to prepare your food in advance. Lay out your cutlery and set the plates ahead of time too, so you can enjoy the festivities. To make things even easier, serve up your food on platters, and let guests help themselves.
Your tablescape will go a long way in fostering precious memories together, so make sure you pay attention to the finer details. Adding fresh flowers or scented candles will help set the atmosphere, while natural décor, such as frosted greenery and pinecones, will have you feeling like you’re dining in winter wonderland.
Finish your setup with traditional silverware for a refined look, or for a more contemporary feel, use colourful tableware to inject fun, personality and warmth into the table. Brass and gold toned metal accents are great if you’re looking to reflect the warm candles you’ve lit or creating a glow and a really cosy feeling NYE party.
