‘Many people prefer to stay home and party with close friends and family on New Year’s Eve, myself included,’ says event planner to the stars, Liz Taylor. ‘But that doesn’t mean we don’t want to celebrate. We just want to do it our way, and in the comfort of our own home.’
‘Of course everyone’s personal circumstances, style of home and circle of family and friends are different,’ says Liz. ‘But hosting a great party is all about working with what you have and with your guests’ comfort and enjoyment in mind. Every great party starts with the invitation, so whatever theme or style you choose for your New Year’s Eve party, this is your starting point. Simply colour theme your invitation to match the theme of the party. Or add the Luxe factor by having invitations printed onto the labels of miniature bottles of champagne or sending out invitations attached to beautiful, custom designed, elegant masks, for example.’
‘Detail is everything,’ says Liz. ‘From concept to completion, the key to a memorable party is to make sure you have covered every detail to create an event that is as unique as you.’
‘As a host you have certain duties, the first and foremost being sure to make guests feel relaxed and comfortable,’ she explains. ‘If you can’t greet every guest individually nominate a family member or close friend to help. Introduce guests to each other and try to make everyone feel special. Be as attentive to your guests’ needs at the end of the evening as you are at the beginning.’
‘Create a beautiful setting,’ she continues. ‘Take down Christmas decorations and replace with elegant, stylish décor to see in the New Year. Opt for a simple yet classy theme such as monochrome and crystal, or use a stunning floral display as your main focal point. Use clever lighting to create ambience and even think about the aroma of your home, choosing scented candles to enhance the overall experience.’
‘You might also want to extend your party to make use of outdoor space,’ says Liz. ‘Even at this time of year a well-heated marquee provides the ideal blank canvass to create a New Year’s Eve spectacle. Or go for tepee style gazebos, a roaring (yet secure) fire pit and decorate your outside space with hundreds of tea lights. Provide luxurious bean bags and cushions for guests to lounge on. You could even present each guest with their own individual cashmere, monogrammed blanket.’
Most people with children of all ages will want to bring them to a New Year’s Eve party. Unless you decide you want a strictly adult only event, think of your younger guests as your VIPs. ‘If they are happy, the chances are their parents are relaxed and happy,’ says Liz.
She suggests hiring a nanny or children’s entertainer to keep younger guests safe and happy or creating a hi-tech, chill out zone for older children/teenagers. ‘Make the evening really special for them. Hire a pizza chef, set up a mobile oven in the garden and let them create their own,’ she suggests. ‘Set up popcorn, candy floss and sweet or individual food stations or create a build your own gourmet burger bar. Commission your own personal burger wraps, popcorn cartons or pizza boxes to add a real talking point.’
‘Young and old will always delight at the arrival of a vintage ice cream van whatever the time of year,’ she continues. ‘And wow grown up guests by presenting classic or traditional dishes in new ways,’ she continues. ‘A good professional caterer should be able to suggest a top-quality, bespoke menu with a unique, creative flair. Even something as simple as a fish and chip supper can be elevated to new levels if served in your own designed newspaper, perhaps featuring amusing or inspiring personal anecdotes and images about individual guests.’
Keep drinks simple but special is Liz’s advice. ‘Serve up the finest chilled fizz, quality bottles of beer and still and sparkling water, or go for the hot tipple option with spiced mulled cider or wine, with mulled apple juice for the kids,’ she suggests. ‘Again presentation is everything so hire in the professionals to help if you can. Think outside the box and serve hot tipples in vintage tea cups or personally designed mugs. Use sparkling water, fresh juices and fresh fruit to make stylish mocktails for younger guests (and drivers). Fill a cast iron bath with ice and bottles of branded beer. Or ask a mixologist to create a unique New Year’s Eve cocktail just for your guests to enjoy. Whisky based cocktails are currently on trend as are modern twists on vintage classics such as the snowball or egg nog.’
Don’t just think the party ends at midnight. ‘Post midnight munchies always go down well and ensure your guests go home with a full stomach and a warm glow,’ says Liz. ‘Teens (and indeed guests of all ages) might enjoy a mug of hearty soup with hot, crusty, artisan rolls or plates of bacon butties around a campfire, with creamy hot chocolate and toasted marshmallows to follow. Serve in your own customised mugs or thermos flasks and add a dash of good quality brandy for the grown ups. Throw in a spectacular professional firework display to end the evening with a bang.’
Personalised gift bags are also a wonderful finishing touch to a New Year’s Eve Party and are appreciated by guests of all ages. Lovely ideas for grown up gifts include miniatures (perhaps the ingredients along with the recipe for your bespoke cocktail); luxury, personalised chocolates or truffles and scented candles to match the fragrance of those in your home. I love Jo Malone!
‘Or what about a custom designed silver hip flask; key ring or monogrammed blanket along with a retro Polaroid snapshot from the party (or employ a professional photographer to capture the evening which can then be shared with guests online) and a CD featuring the evening’s individually created play list? Or maybe a personalised hangover survival kit?
Liz continues: ‘Custom made goody bags for the kids could include named cupcakes or sticks of rock; personalised ‘cool’ key rings: hot chocolate stirrers; perfume and aftershave miniatures; individualised chocolate treats (eg smartphone, Minecraft, favourite animal etc) and of course lots of old fashioned sweet treats.
And a final New Year’s Eve party tip from Liz? ‘When planning your party do think about the year or at least the day ahead,’ she says. ‘I’m not talking resolutions but I am saying that you should plan to start the New Year in as positively a pleasant way as possible. Make sure you are well stocked up with cereals, fresh pastries, good bread, butter and a selection of jams and spreads plus plenty of fresh juice, tea and coffee for the morning.’
‘Make it easy on yourself and any overnight guests by keeping it simple first thing,’ she suggests. ‘Enjoy a relaxed morning then treat everyone to a full on brunch, complete with Bloody Marys or Bucks Fizz if you fancy. Better still, hire a private dining room and take your house guests out for brunch.’
‘Finally, weather permitting, how about a nice, gentle walk followed by a pot of hot tea with freshly buttered toast and cakes by the fire?’ says Liz. ‘If you are anything like me, your thoughts will already be drifting towards planning next year’s New Year’s Eve party before January has hardly even begun!’