New Year’s Eve is the official end of the holiday season before jumping into the new year. Go out with a bang and be the merry host of a New Years’ Eve Party with friends and family! Not sure where to begin? We have compiled a list of tips, cocktails, snacks, and activities to make sure you start 2023 off right.

Set the Scene

Start with your decor to set the tone. Consider sticking to traditional colors like black, silver, or gold, which give your party a classic and sophisticated feel. Set up your table or serving area with black tablecloths to help hide any accidental spills. Fringe curtains, like the ones found at party stores, make fun Instagram walls for guests to take pictures. Be sure to offer them fun props, like glasses, hats, and feather boas, to play with during their photo session. Place notecards and pens on a table next to a jar and invite guests to share their new year’s resolutions, their biggest successes of 2022, or something they are grateful for! Taking a moment to be thankful for the past year is a great way to ring in the new year.

Eat and Be Merry

Whether you plan to have a sit-down dinner or a more casual buffet, there are a few things you should be sure to include on your New Year’s Eve menu. For foods your guests can easily eat while enjoying cocktails and conversation, try these bacon-wrapped pineapple shrimp. Flakey spinach artichoke cups are another easy-to-eat dish that offers a sophisticated twist on a popular dip. Planning an intimate sit-down dinner? Wow your guests with this delicious classic roast. Pair it with these mascarpone mashed potatoes that can be made ahead and refrigerated until you need to heat them, which cuts down on prep time.

Bring on the Bubbly

Rather than spending the night mixing drinks for your guests, consider choosing a signature cocktail for the night. Something like this pomegranate mojito or this Sneaky Peat can be prepared in large batches ahead of time. You can also create an easy self-serve bellini bar with various fruit juices like peach or cranberry and champagne. And, of course, be sure to have plenty of champagne and sparkling cider on hand to toast the new year when the clock strikes midnight!

From everyone here at River Islands, we wish you and your family a happy holiday season and a new year full of successes, big and small! The River Islands Welcome Center will be closed in observance of the holiday season from December 24-26 and December 31-January 1.

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