Krista Collard
Dec 25, 20203 min
Updated: Dec 26, 2020
Image Source | The Glam Pad
The Christmas celebrations may have only just ended, but in less than a week it’ll be time to ring in the new year! After a tough twelve months, I think we all deserve to party. For some lucky ducks, this might be in person, while for others some virtual drinks might be in order. Read on for our tips on how to enjoy a truly spectacular New Year’s event, whether in person or from afar.
Image Source | Vintage Country Style
When it comes to the holiday season, I try my best to avoid waste as much as possible, which is why repurposing your Christmas decor is a great eco-friendly idea. If you’ve used a non-traditional Christmas palette, many of your decorations will be easy to transition to a NYE theme, and even red and green can be repurposed when styled the right way. If you're hosting a virtual event, you can still get into a celebratory mood by styling the room you'll be videoing in from - there's nothing wrong with being a little 'extra' and going all-out in your living room or kitchen.
Image Source | One Stylish Party
I recommend doing away with any obvious Christmas items such as wreaths, Santas, nativities, and Christmas scenes. Take a look at what you have left, and see if it’s worth reusing. Have a beautiful floral table garland? Set this up at the buffet table. Used candles on your mantel? Swap out the poinsettias for some Gatsby gold and you’re good to go. Remember metallic tones can look tacky if overdone, but a touch of sparkle is perfect for NYE.
Image Source | Pinterest
Unlike Christmas lunch, the feel at a New Year’s Eve event is usually much more casual, especially when it comes to the meal. Rather than a sit down dinner, a buffet table that people can come and go from is probably more suitable. If you’re kicking off the celebrations after dinner, a snack table may be appropriate, and can still be set up in a chic way. Again, if you're opting for a virtual event, a chic side table with some snacks could be the perfect accessory to frame your video with.
Image Source | Pinterest
For a casual affair, the usual chips, dips, and sweets might do the trick just fine. But, if you want to elevate your celebrations, have a look at some recipes for DIY canapés and hors d'oeuvres. Many party foods are simple to make, but look super sophisticated. When done right, food forms part of your decor, so why not make it as spectacular as your floral arrangements and centrepieces? There’s plenty of NYE recipe guides out there, so pick some of your favourites and have a play before the day.
Image Source | Cella Jane
The final piece to your NYE puzzle is, of course, drinks! Whether you ask your guests to BYO or offer a selection, being pre-prepared with glasses and chillers is sure to win you points with your guests. If you’re afraid to leave the good wine glasses out, opting for high quality plastic may be safer, while still retaining a classy feel to the evening. Ensure you have lots on hand for when guests inevitably lose track of theirs - lining them up on your buffet or on a separate drinks table is your best bet.
Image Source | Domino
When it comes to keeping beverages cold, a set of stainless steel, gold, or copper tubs work perfectly. For an added touch of sophistication, freeze small flowers or petals in ice cubes - such an unexpected but beautiful addition! Make sure there’s lots available in different areas of your venue so that your guests aren’t scrambling for their drinks, and ensure there’s water on hand as well.
If you’re really into your drinks, or are planning a virtual celebration, consider having a cocktail party. For in-person events, set up a cute bar with ingredients on hand and recipes on display for your guests to try. For online events, send out some recipes before hand and have fun mixing them on video. Remember, you might not be able to celebrate as usual, but you can still have fun together in a unique way.
How are you ringing in the new year? Let me know your NYE plans and celebrate the start of 2021 in style!
Krista Collard Interiors is a full service design-build firm focusing on creating timeless spaces that honour sustainability and functionality across the Greater Sydney area.
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