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Did you book that $250 a plate New Year’s Eve gala yet? No? Me neither. New Year’s Eve can be one of the most expensive nights of the year. Lavish parties and pricey dinners are the norm, but they don’t have to be. So if you’re like me and you’re looking for some cheap and fun alternatives to ring in the New Year, I’ve got a few ideas to share that may save you an expensive dinner and a baby sitter.
Find free local events. If you’ve got your heart set on going out, check your local papers for free New Year’s Eve events. Skip the big-ticket parties and expensive dinners and find a family-friendly event. Try local churches and civic organizations who often host family themed parties and gatherings.
Host a game night. For years my family would host a New Year’s Eve game night. We’d play all sorts of games, but a seasonal, massive trivial pursuit game was always the party favorite. This is a great opportunity for friends to share a new game they may have received over the holidays, or pull out an old favorite, as we used to.
Host a junk swap. Here’s an opportunity to start the new year and get rid of some stuff. Invite guests to bring items they’d like to trade and you can swap the junk you don’t want for something else you’d like. Ideas for things to trade include books, DVDs, clothes, video games, CDs and anything else you think you might be able to get rid of!
Host a spa night. This may not be one for the guys, but a girls night in can be a great New Year’s Eve idea. Spend the evening relaxing and pampering yourself. It may be the perfect way to kick off a new year.
Host a pot-luck or fondue party. Nothing beats NOT cooking a big dinner for a host of friends. So invite your friends to bring the dish they’re famous for. You’re bound to end up with a gourmet feast. If dinner still seems like too much, skip it and go with a dessert-only pot-luck and just start the party later.
If you still want to throw a big party make it late! Start the party around 10pm and people can drop-by for the ball drop. Many couples end up house-hopping on New Year’s Eve anyway, so give them a timeframe for your party, and they’ll make you a priority stop. A shorter shindig means you can skip on providing dinner and go with some simple snacks and drinks.
Try a progressive, house-hop. Give each house a course and pick an overall theme and you can spread out the party and let everyone host for a little while. You also spread out the expense!
Host a movie marathon. Ok, maybe you don’t want to geek out and watch all 11+ hours of the Lord of the Rings Trilogy’s Extended Director’s Cut. But a movie marathon can be a great idea. Try picking a theme and each family or guest can bring a movie that fits the theme. Monster movies, mysteries, comedy duos, adventure movies, or pick an actor or actress and watch their greatest hits. Enjoying the big screen with friends is always more fun. And if movies aren’t your thing, with all the TV shows on DVD now, you can pick your favorite 70’s or 80’s TV show and host a marathon. When it comes to TV and movies – you’ve got lots of options!
Don’t forget a romantic evening. Take-out from your favorite restaurant and a quiet night may be the perfect way to start the new year. It’s fun, romantic and can very economical.
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