Celebrate New Year’s Eve in Style

A TOAST TO NEW BEGINNINGS

As we say goodbye to a challenging year and usher in 2022, it’s time to cast off the shadows and embrace new beginnings. More than just an excuse to pop the bubbles and watch the local fireworks, it’s time to celebrate New Year’s Eve in style with family and friends… and splash out a little. Champagne? Cocktails? Canapés? Why not!

PARTY AT HOME

Of course, every major city has an assortment of New Year’s events and midnight firework displays. But for those who’d rather avoid the mayhem of the New Year’s crowds, overpriced Ubers and expensive fixed-price menus, you could throw your own shindig instead. Whether a fancy dinner party or barefoot barbecue on the deck, celebrating with a few close friends can be a lot more relaxed. It also means you don’t need to find a babysitter for young children. You can pop them in bed after dinner and pop another bottle of bubbly.

Party tunes

Connect your sound system or Google Home to a Spotify or iTunes playlist such as ‘New Year’s Eve Dinner Party’ and let the tunes take care of themselves. If you don’t have a sound system, get a Bluetooth speaker to play music. You may also want to stock up on a few festive accessories from a $2 shop, like party poppers, hats, horns and glow-in-the-dark goodies. You can sprinkle them around coffee tables and beside the snack platters so guests can help themselves to day-glo glasses, tiaras and boas. It’s New Year’s — get wacky!

Create ambience

Before you pack away the baubles and twinkling fairy lights from Christmas, redecorate your party space or dining room to bring plenty of bling to your festivities. Colourful Christmas balls can be strung from the chandelier over the dining table, while festoon lights, candles and lanterns add instant ambience and festivity. Remove all unnecessary furniture and clutter from your party spaces and make sure you have plenty of seats, like stackable chairs, bench seats and stools. Planning to boogy? Leave room for a dance floor!

Drinky poos

Set up a drinks station so guests can help themselves throughout the night. If you don’t have one already, you could pick up a sophisticated drinks trolley to really impress your guests. This tropical trolley on casters has two tiers for bottles. Or set up a cocktail bar on a buffet, including refreshing non-alcoholic options. Don’t forget to fill an esky with ice for guests who BYO. Put out a few platters of dips, crackers, cheeses and berries so there’s plenty to nibble on.

Cool cocktails

The pandemic has shifted the mindset of cocktail lovers in exciting new ways. Home more than ever before, trends are showing people are stocking up more on their own supplies, experimenting with flavours and drinking more responsibly with low and no-alcohol options on the rise. Crisp and cool, this summery mojito is easy to make and oh-so refreshing. If you want to keep it light, use half a shot of rum.

A stylish soiree

If you’re throwing a dinner party, plan well ahead. Prepare the table by spreading fresh linen, dinner plates and cutlery. Fill the room with fresh flowers or, if you’re crafty, you could make a faux flower table garland. Decide on your menu, considering special requirements like vegetarian or gluten-free options. Having at least two courses is a nice idea, but you could take a dessert shortcut by serving fresh berries and ice-cream. Now’s not the time to attempt your first flaming baked Alaska (particularly after a few festive glasses of sparkling). Here are a few scrumptious dinner ideas that will suit everyone, as they’re meat-free, gluten-free and delicious and can be prepared ahead of time so you’re not stuck in the kitchen:

🍲 Moroccan vegetable tagine with couscous
🍛 Thai tofu red curry with jasmine rice
🌮 Mexican jackfruit tacos with white corn tortillas
🥘 Japanese marinated teriyaki eggplant
🍜 Chinese sticky sweet chilli tofu with noodles

Backyard barbie

Truly an Aussie institution and an excellent option in the middle of summer, throwing a good ol’ fashioned barbecue is always always a crowd-pleaser. Make sure the barbie’s clean with a full gas bottle. Stock up meat and/or veggie burgers — even if guests are bringing their own, you don’t want to run out. Pair your fare with a few fresh salads, bread rolls and sauce. You could hang fairy lights, festoons or lanterns across a gazebo to create an alfresco wonderland. If the weather is warm, the party will most likely stay outside, which will also minimise the mess. But don’t forget the bug spray!

More in-store at Early Settler

If you’re looking for more party inspiration to celebrate New Year’s in style, browse our range online or in-store. And don’t miss our outdoor zoning ideas for entertaining.