How to: Throw a good party this New Years Eve

There’s an inexplicable beauty about the humble house party. A certain je ne sais quoi. The lack of frills, the challenge of cramming 30 odd people into the house and the looming worry that a neighbour will hammer down the door any moment soon with a noise complaint. It’s almost poetic. 

But if you aren’t exactly one to describe yourself as the hostess with the mostest, throwing one can be daunting. And since we didn’t even get a New Year’s Eve last year (thanks, Boris), it’s vital we go as hard as we can to kick off 2022. So your party needs to be the dog’s bollocks. It isn’t an easy feat. So here’s how to throw a good party this New Year’s Eve.  

Think about who you’re inviting

Obviously, you’ve considered it to some extent. But times are sensitive. So perhaps a loudly and vehemently anti-vax, “COVID was created by the government” kind of person wouldn’t be the best to invite if, say, your best mate who’s also coming is a booster vaxxed nurse. So just give it a bit of thought before you go throwing an invite at every person you think of. 

Sort out your playlist

You’ll never get your playlist perfect unless you’re some kind of wizard, but you can at least put a few hours worth of bangers together. Just remember that no matter how long you slaved over your playlist, you can’t please everyone. The words “can I put a song on” may sound as pleasant as knives scratching a plate, but just grin and bear it. And do a soundcheck before people come. There’s nothing worse than a handful of sober guests standing around watching you and not chatting to each other while you try to sort the speakers out. 

Dim the lights 

This should go without saying. You don’t go into a club to find the big light on, your party should be no different. There’s something about that harsh, cold glare of the big light that dries up conversation and makes everyone hyper aware of themselves. With the lights off, people let go a bit. Lights on says rubbish school disco, lights off says we might be in for a goodun. 

Get some drinks in

You’re probably sorted for bevs, but what about your guests? Okay, slow down, we don’t mean you should buy a bar’s worth of booze. But a nice bottle or two of spirits to hand out shots can be nice. Or some fizz for when the clock strikes 12. Soft drinks are great too. Someone will probably get a bit too drunk and swap to something non-alcoholic for a while and Fanta or Coke will always beat tap water. 

Find some tasty snacks

You can’t beat a handful of crisps when you’re four pints in. Even your bog-standard ready salted Walkers taste like the most exquisite gourmet dish handcrafted by the gods themselves. Drunk people and snacks are simply a match made in heaven. A simple bowl of crisps is possibly the easiest way to show you’re a thoughtful host while simultaneously preparing for the moment when that guest takes it too far and ends up puking everywhere. Shovel some crisps in their mouth and you’ve done your bit to help sort them out. 

Sellotape some 2's about

Nothing says New Year’s Eve party like obnoxious numerical decorations plastered around the room. Throw some glittery 2’s on a table, dot some 2022 glasses around, stick up a big sign, balloons, whatever you can find. Stick some two’s about the gaff and it looks like you know what you’re doing and like you put some real effort in. And it’ll get everyone in the spirit.

Buy some garnishes

You may think garnishes are fiddly and “literally who can be arsed?” But they can be super handy. We’re not talking about lighting an orange peel on fire or using a melon baller to put kiwi balls on a skewer. Although you could if you want. But a bag of frozen berries is great for cooling drinks. They don’t water your drink down like ice cubes, they look cool, and they add a nice taste. Whether you know what you’re doing or not (and if you’re reading this, you probably don’t), frozen berries can make you look like a party planning pro.

Consider games

Depending on the atmosphere you’re looking to create, games can be brilliant. You have party staples like Cards Against Humanity, old classics like Twister and, of course, beloved drinking games such as beer pong and alcoholic Jenga. The best bit about drinking games is that there are dozens of them and not all need a board, dice, cards or props. You could even just make one up. Drink every time your pal mentions his ex, for example. 

Don’t forget the countdown

Chances are you’re in for a big night. And if staying up until 4 am is a standard Friday, it can be easy to miss the countdown as 12 is relatively early. Set an alarm for about 5 to and stick the countdown on (BBC One) so everyone can count down at the top of their lungs and piss off the neighbours. You might as well take advantage. It’s probably the only time of year they can’t complain. And when you’re done, pop outside for a free firework show! Everyone and their auntie love a good firework so the skies should be filled. 

Stock up on essentials

Whether tactical or not, chances are someone will chunder. And you’re going to want to bleach the hell out of the bathroom when that happens. And someone else will spill a drink. Frankly, about 5 people will spill their drinks. So you’ll need bleach, anti-bac spray and other cleaning supplies. As well as that, you also might want to stock up on lemons, limes, ice, straws, toilet paper, kitchen roll, napkins and anything else you think would be a nightmare to run out of. 

Make your life easier

This one is more for your sanity than helping you create a belter of a party. Paper cups can be a lifesaver. Awkwardly ramming dozens of glasses on top of shot glasses in the dishwasher really isn’t it when you’re head’s banging. Save yourself a job and just chuck them. And dot little bins around to help control mess so you don’t find chewing gum in random locations and Rizlas everywhere.

A glorious house party is a noble pursuit that some are blessed with a natural gift for. Others can struggle to nurture the party to its true potential. That’s why we wrote this guide. To inspire those who aren’t naturals but wish to continue such an admirable tradition on possibly the wildest day of the year. Take what you’ve learned and throw the greatest, dirtiest party you can muster. See in the new year with unmatched vibes and enough leftover toilet paper and ice cubes to last you 2022. 

On the other hand, if our guide made you think, “Jesus, I forgot how much effort goes into a party, sod that”, fair play. It’s bloody knackering. So instead of dealing with all that hassle, why not head out this NYE? Check out all the amazing events going down near you now. 

Check out our What's On Guide to discover even more rowdy raves and sweaty gigs taking place over the coming weeks and months. For festivals, lifestyle events and more, head on over to our Things To Do page or be inspired by the event selections on our Inspire Me page.