Last-Minute New Year’s Eve Party Hacks: Pull It Together in Under 10 Minutes
Throwing a memorable party is easier than you might expect.
If you’re planning on having a New Year’s Eve party, you might be feeling pressure to make it perfect. Fortunately, there are some clever tips that will help keep stress to a minimum and make your party one to remember. Read on to learn about five hacks that will let you breeze through your party to-do list and start the year with a bang.
To Nix Post-Party Mess: Use Water Candles
Candles add ambience to any gathering, but wax stuck to the bottom of a votive or hurricane holder makes for cumbersome cleanup. To avoid it, “Add just enough water to cover the bottom of the holder,” says party planner Sally Gibson (SomeoneSentYouAGreeting.com). “The drippings will float without making a mess.” Or just place floating candles in a water-filled dish for a wax-free cleanup.
To Boost Festive Tunes: Use a Bowl ‘Speaker’
It’s not a New Year’s party without a rousing rendition of “Auld Lang Syne.” To get the music flowing without a Bluetooth speaker, pop your phone into a bowl or mug, suggests party expert Marley Majcher (ThePartyGoddess.com). “The bowl will amplify your phone’s speaker, ensuring your favorite tunes easily fill the entire room.”
To Make Drinks Easy to Find: Use These IDs
No need to buy drink charms to help guests keep track of their beverages. Just grab balloons and make your own. To do: Cut the stem off each balloon (using different colors), then slide the remaining piece over the bottom of a wine glass. Bonus: The balloons double as coasters!
To Keep Trash Tidy: Use a Laundry Basket
Not only are empty soda cans or crumb-filled plates an eyesore, they can lead to spills and stains, says Majcher. “I line a few laundry baskets with two to three garbage bags each — so I have a new bag at-the-ready once I pull one out — and put them out near high-traffic spots, such as the bar or seating areas.” This way, there’s an easy place for guests to toss trash that won’t ruin the decor.
To Chill Bubbly Fast: Use an Upcycled Planter
To keep the all-important champagne cool, simply add ice to an empty plant container, says Ashley Schuering (ConfessionsOfAGroceryAddict.com). If it has a drainage hole, line it with a plastic bag before adding ice. Also smart? If you have a two-sided sink, fill one side with ice or turn your bathtub into an ice-filled cooler.
A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
