Easy entertaining for a stress-free New Year’s Eve party

20/08/2007

When you are planning your New Year’s Eve entertaining simplicity and organisation are key for a stress-free New Year’s Eve party. Here are some New Year’s Eve party resolutions that you can continue to use throughout the coming year.

Tip Number 1 – hire the services of a caterer.
If preparing the food or drinks causes you the most stress then look into building a long-term relationship with a caterer for your parties. They can look after the food preparation and serving, the bar and tidying up afterwards. The catering is one of the bigger and more daunting tasks for a party that can be easily fixed with the help of a caterer.

Tip Number 2 – Impromptu parties
Being spontaneous and hosting a party with little time to prepare leaves little time to get anxious or stressed. Your guests’ expectations for the party will be less, which leads to a reduced amount of pressure on you to make things perfect. The experience and good time is what your guests are looking for.

Tip Number 3 – have a white dinner set on standby.
White dinnerware is the number one must have for your party equipment. It fits in perfectly with silver and gold decorations for a New Year’s Eve party or red and green decorations for a Christmas party. The number one choice of caterers you can buy some basic white plates for a fraction of the price of an expensive designer dinner set.

Tip Number 4 – learn to cook outside your box.
Over the years you get stuck cooking the same recipes over and over again. Take a cooking class to learn new skills and tips, new ideas and ingredients and to gain more confidence in your kitchen. This keeps your party hosting fun and enjoyable for you and your guests.

Tip Number 5 – have a couple of tried and true dishes to fall back on.
Cut down on stress by preparing dishes that you know will work and taste good. Choosing a few excellent meals for your party means that there is less pressure on you for planning, timing and getting it right. This leaves you time to enjoy your own party.

Tip Number 6 – go with a theme.
One of the best things about choosing a theme for a party is that it gives you a focus. You won’t be distracted by other potential party ideas if you have a theme in mind. Choose the decorations, food, music and invitations all around a central theme to give the party cohesion and finish.

Tip Number 7 – Simplicity is key.
Keeping everything about your party simple to enable your guests to fully enjoy the whole experience. Quality decorations, music and food will be more important to your guests than an over-the-top party.

Tip Number 8 – Ask the family to help
Children and family members like to feel helpful and involved in the party preparations. Their involvement will lessen the stress levels within the family as a whole. They can help set the table, make decorations or smaller food items for the meal.

Tip Number 9 – Perfection is unattainable.
You will never be able to achieve complete perfection or control over your party. Other things will always get in the way that you cannot control. Be flexible and have fun. If someone arrives late or you have a power cut laugh and focus on enjoying the evening. Small imperfections make for an interesting party.

Tip Number 10 – It’s only a party.
Even with hours of preparing and organising the party itself will be over in the blink of an eye. Don’t worry about making things perfect just concentrate on having a wonderful experience with family and friends. Create lasting memories for you and your guests.