Need help?The Ultimate Guide to NYE Hosting
How to celebrate – and what to wear – for a New Year’s Eve like no other.
With the onset of holiday season and endless social plans filling your calendar, it’s easy to forget that you promised to host NYE at your place this year. Now it’s mid-December and you’re not sure what’s on the menu, what playlist to play, or even where to even planning. Hosting a fabulous dinner party can be incredibly fun but also stressful for even the top party planning experts. We turned to our beloved ba&sh muse and creator of The Girl Guide, Stephanie Trotta – who recently hosted her own ba&sh holiday party – to share her sure-fire party tips for hosting the ultimate soirée.
“When planning a dinner party, my number one goal is to create a gathering that is purposeful, meaningful, and my guests walk away feeling valued. I’ve learned a lot from reading Priya Parker’s book The Art of Gathering and from my friend Tiere Hessert, the founder of Mama Collective. “– Stephanie Trotta
Consider Your Numbers
The first step of planning your dinner party is to think about what your end-goal is. Do you want to have an intimate catch-up with you closest friends, or a “more the merrier” type of approach?
“It was important to me, for this event, to have an intimate group for a sit-down dinner party with no more than 10 people.”– Stephanie
Either option can be fulfilling, but typically the larger the group, the more effort it requires – so it’s important to consider at the early stages of planning. Also, think about your space and what it can comfortably hold, especially with the current COVID restrictions in your area.
Picking the Menu
When choosing what you want to serve, thinking through little details and thoughtful timing can be a guaranteed way to make sure even the smallest dinner party feel special. For example – hors d’oeuvres are a great way to kick off the occasion: they can be simple or elaborate, but adding them to your menu to begin the night really elevates the evening.
“For the menu, consider your guests. Make sure that there are options that everyone can enjoy and keep it fun! I loved having French fries to kick things off!” – Stephanie
When picking the beverage menu, it’s best to go with basics, but be sure to pair with your food offerings. Red and white wine with a few classic cocktails are great options, bringing maximum effect with minimal effort.
Don’t forget every dinner party needs a grand finale! When it comes to dessert, opt for substance over style. Chocolate truffles, homemade cookies, or a baked fruit with some sugar and cinnamon – even if you end up burning the main, no one will notice with a fabulous treat to finish off the night.
Décor and Ambiance
To enhance your dinner party, impress your guests with photo-worthy décor. Keep it simple yet elegant with casual dinner settings and candles to light up the room. Don’t overlook the power of some simple flower arrangements: they can go a long way and work as a major mood-lifter.
After that, adding small personal touches to give warmth to the space is all you need. Personalized menus are a great example, and something guests really appreciate – even if they are handmade or printed at home! Surround yourself and your dinner guests with quality and beauty – each little extra effort imbues the occasion with meaning and emotion.
Festive Activities
Before the party starts, get your feel-good playlists together and listen through them on your own. Not only should you enjoy yourself as you prepare for the party, but it’s a good test before the big day. It takes a lot of thought to put together a list of songs that make you want to move, and dancing is essential for any holiday party. Not only does it get people loose and celebrating the end of a long year, but it makes for great pictures!
Speaking of photos, it’s great to have a camera for everyone to share. Having a polaroid is a fun idea that gives instant gratification with photos for guests to take home. They also add a dreamy filter and vintage vibe to any vignette. Watching the photo come alive within seconds of taking it will create a nostalgic feeling that everyone will appreciate!
Goodbye 2021 and Welcome 2022
It may seem straightforward enough, but giving a strong toast involves much more than simply raising your glass and saying whatever comes to mind. Reflect on the past year, the times you shared with those in the room, and appreciate together what you’ve accomplished. 2021 has been a tough year in many ways, but it was also a great one.
“Questions to consider when making your toast: who is gathering and why? The purpose of getting everyone together? How do we connect everyone in a novel way?” – Stephanie
Finish off with what you hope for in the new year to come, and don’t forget the bubbly!
What to Wear
NYE dressing is one of the rare times of the year where you can discard typical everyday fashion and really go over-the-top in sequins, satin, metallics and more. Our TILANE dress is a great long sleeve maxi dress option that will have you turning heads. If you’re more of a floral midi dress style, the TEE dress can be an elevated alternative. If you prefer something with print over shimmer, our TOPAZ top and THALIA skirt make for a versatile option. Wear the matching set to your NYE evening, and re-wear as separates in the new year for an easy casual swap: match the skirt with a chic top, such as our BAYLOR sweater or keep the original top and pair your favorite denim such as our SOUL jeans.
Lastly, fashion’s ongoing love for an LBD (long or little black dress) is another adaptable option. Wear our SIVANE dress now with sparkly tights and jewelry, then switch to bare legs and sneaker for the warmer months. For a sexy maxi dress option, the NORA dress is a best-seller.
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