Thinking of throwing a New Year’s Eve party for your friends and loved ones? Maybe you decided to give the neighborhood kids (and their parents) a safe place to gather this New Year’s. Or maybe you were tasked with throwing the office shindig to ring in the New Year.

Whether you’re hosting an intimate gathering or a big bash, these New Year’s Eve party ideas will ensure your evening is Instagrammable – and fun.

Start with a Theme

Every great party starts with a theme that will carry over into your New Year’s Eve party decoration ideas, the invitations, and even the food and beverages.

You can’t go wrong with black and gold, a classic color combination that exudes glamour and elegance. You might also decide to host a throwback party and celebrate the ‘80s in a party for kids and adults, alike. Or you can pay tribute to the Roarin’ ‘20s by incorporating speakeasy-themed New Year’s Eve party ideas into your celebration. We wouldn’t recommend filling your bathtub with gin, but some art deco prints and flapper dresses can help set the mood.

Get Those Invites Out Early

Whatever theme you choose, you’ll want your invitations to match. Get your New Year’s Eve party invitations in the mail at least four to six weeks before the big day, since people tend to make plans early for this holiday.

Want to ensure a great turnout? Consider sending save-the-date stickers as early as six months before the event. People will appreciate having their New Year’s plans on the books early.

Make Fun, Interactive Décor Part of Your New Year’s Party Ideas

The big day is almost here. It’s time to decide on your décor. Balloons are a fun, affordable way to spruce up any setting. Create a balloon wall with a combination of mylar and latex balloons in colors that match your theme. It’s the perfect setting for guest photos.

Photo booth props double as décor and something fun for guests to do – not to mention photos are the perfect party souvenirs. Customizable photo booth backdrops promise to become a focal point of your party.

Dress Up the Table, Too

If things get rowdy after midnight, you don’t want to risk your fine china falling victim to the melee. This goes double if you’re hosting a party for kids. Customized supplies & paper goods match your theme and add flair to the evening – without the risk of broken plates.

New Year’s Eve party decoration ideas don’t have to be complicated. After all, your house is probably already decorated for the holidays. Incorporate gold candles into your holiday centerpiece, switch out red and green placemats for black and gold, and add silver and gold confetti for a festive touch.

Keep the Food Simple

If you want to keep the party going, it’s important to ensure you give your guests enough to eat. But you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen, either. Small plates are in, so consider serving items like bacon-wrapped steak, shrimp, or scallops on skewers; sliders with turkey burgers, swiss, and avocado; and eggplant and mint bruschetta, or stuffed mushrooms for guests who don’t eat meat.

Round out the offerings with crudités and dip, cheese and crackers, and artichoke or spinach dip with pumpernickel bread.

For dessert? Boozy ice cream sodas for the grown-ups and an ice cream sundae bar for the kids will ensure everyone leaves with a smile on their face –  hours later.

Sparkling Wine, Cocktails… Sangria?

Keep the night classy with a sparkling wine and prosecco bar. Include strawberries and blueberries to garnish the drinks.

Or, you can give your New Year’s Eve party a twist with a summer theme – and drinks to match. Choose the bright festive colors of Cinco de Mayo and celebrate the spring and summer that’s to come. Serve sangria and margaritas as the house beverages and invite guests to bring their own wine or beer.

Get Your Game On

What’s a party without games? Download interactive party favorites like “Heads-Up” or Charades on your phone. Give out stickers to the winners so they can enjoy bragging rights all night.

Or go retro and hook up the new version of the classic Atari 2600 video game system – perfect for an ‘80s party.  

Don’t Send Guests Home Empty Handed

When the party is done, you want guests to remember the night for years to come. A party favor will help jog their memory. Consider customized New Year’s Eve t-shirts or send them home with a mini bottle of champagne.  

From the New Year’s Eve party decorations to the food and games, when you take the time to plan the perfect New Year’s party, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy yourself with your guests when midnight rolls around.