New Year’s Eve Hosting Tips

There are numerous ways to celebrate the upcoming New Year, whether it be dressing up and going out-out, wining and dining at one of your favourite restaurants, or even hosting your own party. If it’s the latter you are opting for, we’re here to give you some top tips to ensure your New Year’s soiree at home is as fantastical as you hope. 

The trick to any successful get-together is to plan ahead. Get the invites out in advance to catch your guests before they book elsewhere, along with details on the theme (if you have one) and the all-important location. It’s also a wise idea to give neighbours a heads up that you'll be hosting a party, setting expectations for no loud surprises. It’s also a nice touch to extend an invite to them too.  

With December being such a busy month, it’s also key to stock up on food and drink for the occasion. New Year’s Eve parties are the best time to get through any half-empty bottles of spirits you’ve been holding onto throughout the year or even taste testing any new boozy gifts you’ve received for Christmas. 

While we love nothing more than gathering around a stylish table for dinner here at Spode, for New Year’s Eve we think opting for a fancy buffet where guests can help themselves while socialising is the best way to go. This not only allows you to prep the food in advance, freeing up your time during the party for schmoozing, but is a simple way of having an array of food options available for all different tastes. Another option is to ask each guest to bring a dish with them, this way everyone has contributed and it’s a fun way of keeping costs down too.  

Even though we’re not planning on sitting down to a 3-course meal, you’ll be pleased to know a buffet style set-up still leaves opportunity for attention to detail and extra flourishes to make your display insta-worthy.  

Save time and money by re-using your Christmas décor and tableware. Think fairy lights, candles and festive foliage dotted between platters, cake stands, and bowls. Put out the last of your Christmas crackers and any leftover sweet treats for guests to enjoy. 

When it comes to serving drinks, set up a designated space for cocktail making. If you don’t have a bar cart or cabinet, display all the drinks on a table along with glasses for guests to help themselves. Not sure which glasses you need for your celebration? Take a look at our guide here. And if you have a wannabe mixologist on your guest list, we’re sure they won’t mind being the designated cocktail-maker for the night.  

Your guests may be happy milling about chatting, drinking, and grazing all evening. But we think it’s always a wise idea to have a few fun activities tucked up your sleeve should you find the atmosphere starting to wane. 

Of course, music is a must. Put a playlist together beforehand and have it on loop throughout the evening. A New Year's quiz is always a fantastic way to get all guests involved, as well as charades and even karaoke.  

Make sure you are ready for when the clock strikes 12 with something sparkling for toasting, and if you have the space fireworks can be a wonderful addition. Just make sure you have lots of blankets and scarves ready if you expect you guests to venture outside! 

For guests bunking up for the night (whether planned or unplanned) make sure you have your guest room or sofa beds at the ready. Provide a welcoming, cosy space with fresh sheets, blankets and towels. A great host always goes the extra mile, so add a few extra touches with ear plugs, eye masks and a lamp on their bedside. Extend your hosting skills to the morning too, ensuring the fridge is stocked up with plenty in for breakfast.  

Now you have all the top tips to make your New Year’s Eve hosting a success, we wish you a joyful evening full of fun and delicious food.