New Year's Eve Buying Guide

Whether you're celebrating in a boat out on the Thames  or partying in your flat, New Year's Eve  is always a fun celebration complete with champagne  and mates or family. Stock up on supplies so that you can either throw a great bash or bring gifts to someone else's party. Don't forget to make your resolutions, and then review some of the essentials below and so that you are ready to ring in New Year's the right way!

Decorations

What's a party without some adornment? Whether it's a quiet dinner at home or a huge celebration, you will want to have these things handy.

Balloons  If your party has a colour theme, pick up some balloons to match it; otherwise New Year's balloons will do just fine.	Confetti  Sprinkle confetti across tablecloths or put some in party favours  and invitations  for an extra sparkle.	Party Hats  A party hat or headband is an essential accessory for the holiday, and they come in all different kinds of colours for your preference.	Noise Makers  You need to have some way to make noise when the clock strikes 12--pick up an ample amount of these so that you have some extras for your guests.	Lights  White or coloured Christmas lights can add lots of fun to a party, so string them up!

Tableware

Now that the room is properly decorated, the next step is the table. If you planning on laying food out on one table or multiple tables, make sure they are decorated and eye catching.

Snack Bowls  There are lots of ways to get creative with these; buy some in varying colours or with different shapes.	Tableware  Use plates in bright colours and bold patterns that will take dinner from dull to daring.	Tablecloth  If you party is more formal, then it's okay to use one of your better, more delicate tablecloths. If it's going to be a large, messy party, consider plastic tablecloths  or machine washable fabric.	Glassware  You can't serve champagne  at midnight without the right glasses! From sparkling wine to cocktails, make sure you have enough glasses for any type of beverage.

Food and Drink

Now that your party is set, what do you serve? See some suggestions below.

Food Figs  Cheese Straws  Crostini  Bruschetta  Wrapped Dates  Pork Spring Rolls  Salmon Canapes  Dim Sum   Sushi  Roasted Turkey  Hotpot  Roasted Potatoes  Pizza

Drinks Champagne  Sparkling Cider  Mulled Cider  (spiked) Wine  Beer  Soft Drinks  Martini  Rum Punch  Irish Coffee  White Russian  Wine Spritz  Cosmopolitan

Desserts Apple Cobbler  Cheesecake  Brownies  Bread Pudding  Trifle  Baked Alaska  Doughnuts  Raspberry Tarts  Pound Cake  Ice Cream Sundaes  Pecan Pie  Biscuits

Theme Parties

Have all the supplies and need a theme? The themes below are popular enough that you can find decorations for each one and get lots of party planning ideas.

Hollywood Night  Think lots of glitz and glamour--decorate in gold and silver. Everyone can dress up as their favourite star and you can roll out a red carpet  for the event!	Casino Night  A poker table,  red and black decorations  and personalised casino chips  are just some of the fun items you can use to decorate this party.	Costume Party  Pick a decade like the 20s,  50s  or 80s  and have your guests come wearing costumes from that era.	Luau Party  Turn up the heat in the wintertime! It may be a little cold to dress appropriately for this party, but you can create a summer theme using heat lamps,  plastic palm trees  and flower leis.

Breakfast Bash

Don't forget about planning out that superb New Year's Day brunch!

Breakfast  Waffles  and pancakes  (cook up the batter the night before if you think you will be too tired in the morning) with some fruit  thrown in are always a delicious option. Eggs  cooked up in any style that you like are also a satisfying choice.	Drinks  Think cocktails that will cure that morning hangover, such as a bloody mary  or mimosa.  Coffee  and tea  are also good wake up remedies.	Sides  Don't forget about breakfast meats like pork,  sausage  and bacon!  Also, scones,  croissants  and pastries  are an extra treat to have on the side of your breakfast.

Related Guides

New Year's Resolutions	Champagne Glasses	Christmas	Winter Style Guide	Spirits