Catering the Perfect New Year’s Party

Beauty & Style

With the New Year fast approaching now is the perfect time to begin planning your New Year’s Eve party. Like every holiday the New Year can be a stressful time if you don’t take adequate steps to prepare for it. If you’re not interested in preparing food yourself I’d consider you order local catering, otherwise follow these tips for making your New Year’s party stress free!

With the New Year fast approaching now is the perfect time to begin planning your New Year’s Eve party. Like every holiday the New Year can be a stressful time if you don’t take adequate steps to prepare for it. For that reason I’d like to share a few tips for making your New Year’s party stress free!

Pre-Party Preparation

Decide how many people you want to invite and buy the appropriate supplies. Purchase non-perishable items a week before the event and perishable items the day before (for maximum freshness). If you send invitations out three weeks to a month in advance this will give your guests ample time to RSVP before you need to buy supplies. Sending invitations out early will also give you the best chance of having guests attend your party since they won’t yet have conflicting plans.

During the Party

If you’re interested in saving money don’t plan to serve a full meal. Instead offer hot and cold hors d’oeuvres that are served every 30-45 minutes. Start the party around 10p. If you do plan to serve a full meal you’ll want guests to begin arriving around 9p. Serve the meal at 9:30 or 9:45. This will give your guests enough time to socialize and eat food before they pop champagne at midnight.

For something unique have every guest bring their own beverage to share in a BYOB exchange. This will give them the opportunity to share their favorite drinks with others, as well as give them something new to drink, and save you money all at the same time. As the evening draws closer to midnight guests with significant others will inevitably want to kiss. Take the high road and show off your thoughtfulness by providing breath fresheners like mints or personal sized mouth spray.

The After Party

Alcohol and the New Year go hand in hand like brides and grooms at weddings. Keep contact information for a few local taxis on hand for guests who may have had a little too much to drink. At the end of the night don’t be in a rush to usher guests out the door. For guests who may linger a little longer than you’d like, beginning the cleanup process will send the single that it’s time to go without being rude. And hey, maybe they’ll offer to stick around and help cleanup too? That’s a win-win for everyone.

Printable Quick Tips Checklist

  1. Pick a time to start and a theme for the party.
  2. Decide on a guest list.
  3. Send invitations out at least three weeks in advance.
  4. If serving a full meal start the party around 9 or 9:30 so guests have enough time to finish their food and mingle before midnight rolls around.
  5. If not serving a full meal start the party around 10 and serve hors d’oeuvres to keep guests satisfied until midnight.
  6. If funds are tight request every guest to BYOB for a beverage exchange. Your guests will enjoy the opportunity to share their favorites and try something new.
  7. Provide breath fresheners like mints for the midnight kiss.
  8. As the evening comes to the close some guests may not be able to safely drive home. Keep the phone numbers for a few local taxis on hand or provide your own designated driver service for guests who live nearby.
  9. Put your feet up and toast to a successful evening.

About the Author

Trisha Jefford has worked a variety of jobs across the food service industry from waiting tables to being a personal chef. She is a wife and mother of two wonderful girls. Trisha currently blogs and writes for EZ Cater. 

Leave a Reply