As the holiday season comes to an end, the thought of going out for New Year's Eve might sound like more stress and chaos. But here's a little secret: The best New Year's Eves are celebrated at home. A low-key New Year's Eve can help you start your year off feeling refreshed and rejuvenated. Whether you're celebrating as a couple, as a family, or with a small group of friends, try these New Year's Eve party ideas at home for a fun-filled and stress-free celebration.
DID SOMEBODY SAY SLUMBER PARTY?
Having a low-key New Year's Eve at home means that you can truly relax. Take this chance to lean into the slumber party vibe, no matter how old you are. You're staying up ‘til midnight after all! Put on your favorite pjs and slippers. Make a blanket fort in your living room and snuggle up with some Swiss Miss® Hot Cocoa (plus a festive amount of Reddi-wip® Barista Series on top).
Some other slumber party favorites? Start up a movie marathon, with plenty of snacks to go along, like our indulgent Cheesy Spinach and Bacon Queso Dip made with RO*TEL® Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies, or use Vlasic® Ovals Hamburger Dill Chips to fry up a crispy bowl of Air Fryer Pickles. Dive into a round of Truth or Dare or MASH while you munch on some Pull Apart Pizza Bites. Crank up the nostalgia—that's what a low-key New Year's Eve is all about.
Speaking of nostalgia, nothing says slumber party like Hot Fudge Brownie Sundaes. Create a sundae bar on your counter and have everyone gather around to make their own. Provide all the classic toppings, like Reddi-wip Original, maraschino cherries, and chopped nuts—but feel free to go wild, too, with sweet delights like gummy worms, jelly beans, mini marshmallows, or even some pineapple for flair.
KARAOKE SING-ALONGS AND BOARD GAME RIVALRIES
There’s no shortage of exciting activities that you can do to pass the time while celebrating New Year’s Eve at home.
Pull out the karaoke machine (or use an app) and sing all your favorite songs from the year. Or, travel back in time by trying to sing a song from every decade. If people are feeling shy, make it a group sing-along! (Plus, a round of chocoholic Mudslides can make for great liquid courage.)
Once you get tired of singing, you can always transition to a living room dance party. See who can do the best/worst throwback dance moves, from flossing to the Macarena to the Electric Slide.
A New Year’s Eve at home is also the perfect time to pull out the board games. Snack on some ooey-gooey Mac and Cheese Bites and Sheet Pan Nachos while you dive into a long game of Settlers of Catan, or perhaps a Yahtzee tournament. You’ll be giggling all the way to midnight.
COUNTDOWN TO SNACKS
New Year's Eve is a holiday that's all about time—which is a great opportunity to get creative. As the clock makes its way toward midnight, mark each hour in style.
Break out a new appetizer every hour, like P.F. Chang’s® Home Menu Mini Egg Rolls and Dumplings or perhaps some Banquet® quesadillas. Or, for a fancier hors d'oeuvre, use Hunt's® Petite Diced Tomatoes to make some tasty Balsamic Tomato Bruschetta.
Feeling carb-heavy or want to get a jump-start on your resolutions? Look no further than our Buffalo Cauliflower Wings to keep your body feeling nourished through the night.
TOAST IN STYLE
Sure, Champagne's a classic, but the best thing about New Year's Eve at home is that you make the rules. You don't have to be boxed in by tradition. A round of Iced White Russians, Passion Fruit Martinis, or Espresso Martinis are all fun ways to switch up your midnight cheers.
Complement your drinks with a spectacular Champagne Cake or a Salted Caramel Brownie Ice Cream Cake. It’s the perfect way to make the big moment a little more special, especially for kids and those who don't drink.
MAKE PLANS FOR THE NEXT DAY
After a night waiting for the ball to drop, it can be easy to forget what happens after midnight. Will everyone be going to bed, or is the plan to stay up until the crack of dawn? Will guests be going home, or will they be sleeping over? Make sure to have a plan in place.
A key part of that plan is breakfast. Make something cozy and comforting like Stuffed Eggnog Toast, Waffled Chocolate Stuffed French Toast with Whipped Butter, or even our Easy Cinnamon French Toast Casserole. Be sure to bust out the Mrs. Butterworth's® Original Syrup and Reddi-wip Original to top it all off! Round out the mix with Banquet Brown 'N Serve Maple Sausage Patties and some Bloody Marys—you already know that this year is going to be a good one.
Who said New Year's Eve had to be stressful? There are plenty of things you can do on New Year's Eve at home to make it a magical and memorable night. As you say farewell to the old year, you'll be so glad that you're beginning the new one in the comfort of home, with the people that you care about most.
