How to Have an Epic New Year’s Eve at Home

Get Dressed Up

We have spent almost a year in sweatpants and PJs, so getting dressed up will feel extra special this year. Go ahead and pull out that formal dress and tux, and if you have kids, let them pick out their favorite threads.

Pick a Different Room to Party

Always eat at the kitchen table? Why not relocate to the basement or set up in the dining room?

"Sometimes a change of scenery makes a big difference," Navarro said. Move a table, set up picnic style and make the night feel special.

Honor Tradition

Just because this year wasn't quite normal, that doesn’t mean you have to throw out traditions that have always been a part of your New Year’s celebration. You should do a countdown, toast at midnight, snag a kiss (even if it may just be a kiss on the cheek from a family member), blow those noisemakers and scream, "Happy New Year!"

Make it a Theme Night

If you want the evening to feel a little extra, Navarro recommends making a theme night out of it. "Maybe with the cold and snow you pick a Hawaiian theme," he said. He suggests wearing Hawaiian shirts, making Mai Tais and creating a Hawaiian themed menu. Challenge other households of friends and family to do the same and pick a time to do a Zoom costume contest.

Set Up a Photo Booth

Even though it may not seem like it now, you’ll one day want to look back on these memories. Set up a little photo booth or a zoom background that really shines.

"You can get a ton of fun stuff at the Dollar Store, even," Neukom said. Put up tinsel or even wrapping paper as a backdrop. Get out fun props like noisemakers, funny hats, colorful sunglasses and make signs. Turn them into photos you can send to family and friends.

Support Local

This has been a tough year for local businesses and New Year’s is a great way to show support. If you aren’t cooking, consider ordering food from a local restaurant or make a charcuterie plate from a local cheese shop. Bars are selling cocktail kits and bottles of wine, too. Consider a floral centerpiece from a local florist for the evening. Many local companies are also making fun craft kits or cookie decorating kits that could be fun for kids.

Express Gratitude

When looking back on the year, it may not be the easy to find what you are grateful for, but we have a feeling there were some people that really held you up this year, even if you couldn’t see them in person. Neukom has taken to writing hand-written thank you notes to express her gratitude. Take this new year to really appreciate the ones you love, whether it be through notes or even a call just to let them know how much you care.

Amp Up the Tunes

What’s a celebration without good tunes? Go ahead and turn up that speaker and jam out to your favorite tunes of the year or ones that align with your theme. Navarro suggests perusing online as well. "Many DJs are doing free or low-cost sets that you can play," he said.

Overindulge

Forget dieting or limiting treats. Make a menu that’s as indulgent as you want it to be. Add the expensive Champagne, do a hot fudge sundae bar, plan a four-course fete, eat all appetizers–whatever will be the most fun for you!

Set Up an Activity

If you are yearning to do something virtual with others, think about hiring a mixologist for a cocktail or mocktail Zoom class or set up a trivia night. Grab a new game for your family to conquer, set up a station to make bracelets or splatter paint on baseball hats.

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