By Melissa Klein, Editor of Celebrations.com
New Year's Eve arrives just one short week after Christmas. After all the holiday celebrations, it's nice to keep New Year parties glitzy-- but easy and casual too. Here are five easy DIY ideas to incorporate into your New Year's Eve party to keep it stress-free, budget-friendly and fun.
1. Mini Menus
You'll save big time on party food by starting your party later at night - around 8:30 works well for us. Guests won't expect a meal so they'll only look for appetizers to pair with drinks. We like taking classic dishes everyone knows and loves and turning them into mini versions of themselves. It adds a touch of sophistication to the celebration, but won't be over intimidating for picky eaters.
2. Repurpose and Reuse
You have all those holiday decorations ready and waiting - don't let them go to waste! Repurpose what you already have on hand to add a festive look to your New Year's party. We're all about using white twinkle lights about the room to create a sophisticated décor for your New Year’s Eve party. Add to that a few votive candles nestled in assorted stemware filled with edible white glitter and you've got a sweet, easy look for less.
Related: How to Throw a Party for 12 on Just $80!
3. New Year Wishes
Here's an inexensive way to create a eye-catching centerpiece without using a lot of time or spending alot of money.
Simply fill a tall vase filled with pine cones and branches. The bigger the pinecones, the better.
Then get your guests involved. Have then write New Year's wishes on papers to hang on the branches. Your friends will enjoy the themed activity as much as they will the centerpiece.
4. DIY Favors for Guests
Take aways are always a festive touch for any party. Why not gift your guests with DIY party favors? It's a budget friendly way to make everyone feel special.
Simply fill cleaned fruit or veggie cans with candy. Use simple labels and ribbon to decorate, and wish your guests a sweet start to 2012.
5. Champagne Cocktails
Related: How to Beat the Rising Price of Champagne
No New Year's Eve toast is complete without champagne! Keep the bubbly flowing without draining your wallet by mixing up a festive champagne cocktail.
We love the simple idea of adding a splash of lemon infused simple syrup to champagne and garnishing with a lemon wedge. Fill your flute halfway with a lemon syrup and top off with bubbly.
With a few ideas and some good friends, you're sure to have a very Happy New Year's Eve!
Photos courtesy of Celebrations.com
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