Guess how many years it's been since I've got OUT for NYE? It's been…since Adele came out with her FIRST hit solo, “Rolling in the Deep.” It's been since Prince William and Kate tied the knot. It's also been since Oprah's final episode – yes, that many years.
A full decade since we took off to hit the town on New Year's Eve. And I wouldn’t have it ANY other way! Nothing I love more than ringing in the New Year in my own home, usually in jammies with snacks all around.
Since I'm such a pro at ringing in the new year at home, today I'm giving you a FIVE ideas to make New Year's Eve “at home” fun and memorable.
For a fancy, dress up kind of NYE
IDEA #1: Get all dressed up for a dinner at home with your friends or family.
It's so fun to have a reason to dress up! Even if you're just staying at home. For dinner, you can do something as simple as a pasta or pizza night, or you can go fancy with a fondue night. Have everyone bring a dish to make it super easy!
Or my fave for ALL ages (including picky little eaters)…a charcuterie board.
The charcuterie board – seriously the best because it serves all ages and is just one big adult version of a lunchable that everyone can snack on.
I got these super cute cheese knives from Nordstrom to use with my charcuterie board (mine keeps coming in and out of stock, but this marble one is SO pretty too!). Not a must, but these gold cheese knives are so nice to have – and once you buy them, you’ll have them to use for all your future gatherings.
I also got these really pretty white and gold plates – so simple and versatile, but fancier than your average paper plate!
For a cozy night in
IDEA #2: Pop some popcorn, turn on a movie, and enjoy a comfy New Year's Eve at home. Dress code: SWEATS!
Does anything sound better to you? In addition to the popcorn, you can bake some yummy brownies or cookies (using these cute oven mitts), and do a fun brownie sundae or cookie sandwich bar to add to the movie night treats.
You can also use the “group watch” feature on many platforms to watch a movie together virtually if your loved ones don't live close! This would be such a fun way to spend New Year's Eve with your family, even if they aren't all in town.
All I’m saying is: this is one of my FAVORITE New Year's Eve “at home” ideas, because yummy food and cozy clothes and all my favorite people sounds like a perfect way to end the year to me!
For a “treat yourself” kind of night
IDEA #3: SPA NIGHT!
Come in matching jammies or your fave robe and slippers and do all the fun, relaxing, “treat yourself” things: nails, face masks, etc.
This is an especially fun idea if you're having a “girls' night in” with friends on NYE!
And after all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, you could probably REALLY use a self-care night.
Capture the moment
IDEA #4: Make a “take a picture with…” scavenger hunt!
I got a new INSTAX camera and think this would make such a fun activity for NYE!! Here's what you do: send the kids on a scavenger hunt to take a picture with different objects around the house. These pictures would be SO fun to look back on! I know my kids would absolutely love this.
If you don't have kids joining you on NYE, this camera is still super fun just to carry around and capture happy memories with throughout the night. I LOVE how it makes bigger, more classic squared polaroids!
Get your head in the game
IDEA #5: put on your game face with a game night!
Throwing a game night would make such a fun New Year's Eve at home for everyone of all ages! I recently bought a newer version of the timeless, classic games of Chess and Yatzy and think they would be super fun to play on New Year's Eve. You could also play something more relaxed and conversational like Hygge that comes with some really fun conversation starters! Note: our chess set is sold out right now, but here's another fun option!
Countdown at home! (HINT: even before midnight)
BONUS TIP if you have littles like me!
Planning and hosting a New Year's Eve get together at home might seem stressful to you. I know that sometimes, in my head, I’ll think that if I host something, I have to have people over until midnight. But you don’t have to!! If you and your friends don't want your kids staying up until midnight, I have the secret sauce for you…
Turn on the Netflix countdown for the kids in one room, but make sure it's the countdown for another time zone that is having NYE earlier than yours… WORKS. EVERY. TIME.
Host New Year's Eve at home in style
I love that I found all these things at Nordstrom to add to my NYE party at home. And what I love about shopping at Nordstrom is they offer so many great services to make your shopping so much easier:
- Skip the lines – buy online, pick up in store.
- If you’re not quite ready to finalize your purchase, reserve online, try it out in store.
- (My favorite…) Stay in the car in your sweats and do curbside pickup!
- Get free shipping AND returns on all of their items.
So if you love any of these items just as much as I do, keep in mind that your purchase comes with some super great perks. Now let's get into these fun New Year's Eve “at home” ideas!!
Happy New Year!!
New Year's Eve comes so quickly after Christmas it's hard to even plan for it! So I hope this post was helpful in giving you some ideas for a super fun New Year's Eve at home. Mix and match, try one or try all 5 to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022. HAPPY NEW YEAR!