Host an Inexpensive, Family Friendly, New Year's Eve Party

By Robin

Got New Year's Eve plans yet?  We're going to keep it low-key and family friendly...and, of course, frugal!  Ed's over at The Loop talking about how to host an inexpensive (and family friendly) New Year's Eve Party.  (Click here to visit.)  He's sharing some creative ideas that don't require a lot of prep, planning or money.


My favourite tip:

"The number one thing you should do when hosting a frugal New Year’s eve party is not call it, a “frugal” New Year’s Eve party. Frugality, unfortunately, carries some baggage. Most people equate frugal with cheap, and no one wants to go to a “cheap” New Year’s Eve party. For us, frugal is about getting the best bang for your buck."

The reason it's my favourite tip: it's just so dang funny!  Imagine getting an invite titled...

You're Invited to a 

Frugal 

New Year's Eve Party!"

• The invite would be printed onto the back of a scrap piece of paper and tied up with a garbage bag tie.  
• It would be BYO everything!  Guests could pack a lunch bag filled with all the things they think they might want to eat that night.
• Newly-expired food would be served to guests who didn't bring their own food.  
• Tap water would be chilled for a midnight toast.
• A tasteful sign would hang in the bathroom: "If it's yellow, leave it mellow.  If it's brown..."
• Guests would be encouraged to turn off all lights as they leave a room.  Better yet, BYO candles would be a frugal festive touch.
• FM Radio Karaoke!  Sing along to your favourite song (if/when it comes on the radio).  Sing really loud to drown out the actual artist.

Silliness aside, the ideas Ed's sharing are actually fun New Year's ideas and not ridiculously cheap.  He's shared lots of ways to have a great party and include the kids.  Because by the time you hire a babysitter, the budget's often spent!


Have a Happy New Year!