Cheers! :: Hosting a Family-Friendly New Year’s Celebration

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Pop, clink, fizz! It’s almost that time; time for family and friends to gather around and celebrate the end of one year and the beginning of another. Food, fun, fireworks (for some), and most important — FAMILY! Some families spend New Year’s together at home, and others grab babysitters to go out and get fancy. For those of us who choose to be at home with family, and for those of us who have little big ones who try and stay up (or who actually do stay up) to see the new year, this post is for you! We’re going to have a New Year’s party: family style!

1. The theme

Any good shindig has a theme. Whether it be colors or specific attire, themes give guests a chance to let loose, be creative, and have fun. They also make for great pictures. A family-friendly New Year’s celebration should definitely include a theme. With children involved, themes where they can accessorize and be comfortable are key (especially because sleep will happen at any moment). Themes like pajamas, or even fun family-coordinated t-shirts, are perfect and you can always accessorize with New Year glasses, headbands, and beads! All these things can easily be adjusted and/or removed for comfort.

2. The décor

What’s a party without décor? For a family-friendly New Year’s celebration, kid-friendly décor like balloons, photo walls, and confetti work great! If you haven’t already taken down your Christmas décor, that also works for decoration. Kids love balloons and confetti, and these provide endless hours of fun! (Tip: for easy confetti handling, put confetti inside the balloons and each hour have the kids go outside and pop some as a countdown; confetti stays out of your house and the kids get to have some fun!)

3. The food and drinks

What’s on the menu for a family-friendly New Years? FINGER FOODS!!!! Anything “mini” works for big and small hands and will keep small tummies full throughout the evening. Foods like mini-sliders, chips and dips, and even mini-desserts will make for a great spread! As for drinks, there are plenty of kid-friendly sparkly drinks as well as punches that will make them feel like they are having a par-tay! Also, don’t be afraid to put those kid-friendly drinks in some kid-friendly flutes and put sprinkles around the rim! Kiddos love feeling included, and if yours are like mine, they will say “cheers!” at any given moment!

4. The PARTY

New Year’s is all about bringing in happiness and memories and goals! Do just that! Have fun with the littles and let them celebrate! Engage with them and let them express their New Year’s goals. Let them have fun, and you have fun too! Take in the moments of love, joy, and celebration as your family goes into a new year together!