5 tips for hosting a relaxing, stress-free, yet fun New Year’s Eve celebration

It’s the eve of New Year’s Eve. Some of you already have your NYE plans laid out minute-by-minute. For the rest of us, you don’t have a clue. For some, the anticlimax is great. For others, it may feel like a letdown.We were talking about former New Year’s Eves the other night, and we all agreed a majority of our attempts at celebrating New Year’s in the past have resulted in great disappointment. A large part of it stems from setting the bar too high for what is essentially just another night. Buying expensive cover to get into a too big, too loud, too crowded club, getting dressed up in uncomfortable sequins and high heels, waiting forever in line to get in to said club, stressing out about getting into said club before midnight, then waiting forever to order a $10 beer inside said club.No thanks. I’ve gone through enough of the above scenarios in my twenties.Last week, we were having dinner with some friends, and when we realized none of us had NYE plans, I decided, why not just have a super low-key get-together with friends who are also anti-anticlimactic NYE parties? That is, why not say to a few friends, “Hey, if you don’t have plans but don’t feel like staying home either, come over in your PJs/sweats/muumuus, and we’ll just eat dinner together, have a couple of drinks, and ring in the new year in our socks and invisible party hats?”So that’s exactly what I’ll be doing this Saturday night.And while it’s an extremely low-key, relaxing gathering, there are still a few (albeit easy) things I’ll do to prepare our place for hosting a NYE gathering. As someone who loves to host and entertain, here’s my advice.

5 tips for hosting a relaxing, stress-free, yet fun New Year’s Eve celebration

1. Set the dress as “come as you are.” This means people who want to dress comfortably can come in sweats, and those who like to get dressed up can put on their bowties. There’s no pressure to buy a new outfit, and everyone’s happy in what they feel most comfortable wearing.
2. Stock your bar (just a little bit). No need to fully stock it with all types of spirits, mixers, syrups, and citrus wedges. Just have a couple of things you and your friends like to drink, whether it be wine, whiskey, or beer. A little bubbly is ideal for ringing in 2017, too. It’s not taboo to ask your friends to bring a beverage to share either—after all, this is a small, casual shindig, so most people attending should be close enough that you don’t feel shy asking. Our house is always full of bottles from parties past, so I don’t even need to worry about the libations. Also, don’t forget about those who may not imbibe—maybe have some San Pellegrino and sparkling non-alcoholic cider on hand.
3. Put out some easy snacks that go well with drinks. A charcuterie and cheese board, fruit (fresh or dried), spiced nuts, baked goodies, popcorn, pizza rolls, tater tots—whatever suits your fancy. Some of our friends will probably come over around dinnertime, so we’ll make a collective decision on what to get for delivery or take-out.
4. Play music. There was one time I walked in to a party, and there was no music, not even a television on. Yes, people were talking, but it was very quiet. I immediately felt uncomfortable. You need music for it to be festive. Slightly embarrassing fact about me: I curate playlists for every occasion, I.e. Holiday season, house parties, cooking in the kitchen, relaxing by the pool, packing for a flight, getting ready to go out, and so on. I understand most people are not as obsessed with playlists as I am, or they don’t have the time nor patience, so no big deal—just put on something. I cannot emphasize how essential music is to fostering a social environment.
5. Relax! I’ve said it time and time again. A host needs to have a good time, or her guest won’t have a good time. If you’re crying over the spilled wine or flustered over the food, no one is going to feel at ease. That’s why it’s so important to prep some beforehand in order to free your hands up to greet your guests and cheers with them when they arrive. The conversations and simple act of hanging out together are what’s most important for a celebration, and the vibe you exude as host will be contagious. And if things still need tending to once the party starts, don’t be afraid to ask your guests to help. People like to feel helpful, and sometimes, it’s a good excuse for them to have something to do other than stand around awkwardly watching you do last-minute prep.

Take it from me. I’ve hosted countless gatherings in my home over the past fifteen years. Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful—it helps to remember the ultimate purpose of getting together. It’s not to show off your cooking or bartending skills. It’s just about being there together. It’s about the laughs and the stories. We all just came off several weeks of holiday parties, feasts, and gift-giving. It’s about time you kick back, relax, and enjoy what life is really all bout.From the hubs, pups, and me to you, have a fantastic, fun, and safe new year!