New Year’s Eve Ideas 2021
New Year’s Eve 2021 will look a lot different than last year’s celebration. Instead of heading out for a night on the town, many of us will be settling in for an evening on the couch. And in lieu of ringing in 2021 with dozens of friends, our guest lists will be limited to the people who live in our households. But just because your 2021 holiday is different doesn’t mean it can’t be just as festive, celebratory, and meaningful as years past. With the right amount of planning, you can throw an incredible New Year’s Eve bash right at home.
This year, holidays are even more important than ever. The past few months have been challenging for many of us, and New Year’s Eve is the perfect day to reflect and reset. Seriously, what better time is there to look back on all you’ve accomplished and overcome than the last day of the year? Before the clock strikes 12, grab a favorite bottle of bubbly and get ready to celebrate with these festive quarantine New Year’s Eve ideas.
1. Make a New Year’s brunch
Brunch is the best meal — and so you’ll want to include it in your plans for the last day of the year. A festive dish, like these strawberry cheesecake flapjacks, will do the trick in a pinch. Oh, and you’ll definitely want to pour a mimosa (it’s never too early for champagne on New Year’s Eve!).
2. Decorate for 2021
It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without a glittery decoration or two. Add a festive touch to your home with these over-the-top 2021 balloons. Bonus: They’re the perfect photo backdrop if you decide to take pics (and you absolutely should!).
3. Make a scrapbook
There’s no denying it: 2020 was a year to remember. Commemorate the past 12 months by putting together a scrapbook or photo album. It’s a great way to get creative and look back on all the incredible memories you made.
4. Get dressed up
Just because you’re staying home doesn’t mean you have to wear your PJs (although if you want to, you should!). Throw on your favorite holiday dress and some bold New Year’s Eve makeup. Who cares if the only one who sees it is the cat?
5. Take some pics
Everyone loves a good photo booth. Buy some Insta-worthy props and set them up in front of a DIY backdrop. To make one quickly, tape silver or gold wrapping paper to the wall — preferably one in front of a window for some pretty natural light.
6. Write down your resolutions
Since you’re staying home this year, you’ll have extra time to work on your New Year’s resolutions. Try to cover a range of baskets — things like career, health, finances, and self care — and get ready to have your best year yet.
7. Play a game
The best thing about parties are the games — so make sure you’ve got a few on deck for New Year’s Eve. You can find a ton of games like Scattegories, Bingo, and Family Feud. If you’re calling into a party on video chat, there are also plenty of games to play on Zoom or Xbox.
8. Mix a cocktail
New Year’s Eve is all about the bubbly, but that doesn’t mean you can’t kick your glass up a notch by mixing a fabulous champagne cocktail. This cherry bomb fizz requires just a dash of maraschino liqueur and a cherry garnish
9. Make a memory jar
Here’s a fun idea for New Year’s Eve: Decorate a “Memory Jar” to keep over the next 12 months. Every time something incredible happens, write about it on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. You can even include momentos like ticket stubs and cards. On New Year’s Eve 2022, you can open the jar and take a walk down memory lane.
10. Make a festive dinner
The best way to ring in a new year is with a delicious dinner. Instead of going out to a local spot, whip up something at home. You can never go wrong with a roast chicken and some tasty side dishes.
11. Watch a movie
Sure, the New Year’s Eve movie genre isn’t as established as the Christmas one, but there are a few classics you can always turn to. Light a few candles and settle in with some snacks and champagne for a cozy holiday you’ll always remember.
12. Bake a delicious dessert
After a year like 2020, we all deserve a treat. Pick out a few dessert recipes you want to try and start baking on the morning of the 31st. That way, you’ll have delicious snacks to enjoy all day and night —because the best thing to do after the ball drops is eat a cookie.
13. Make a toast
Pop a bottle of champagne and raise a glass to all the incredible experiences you’ll have in the New Year. Bonus points if you serve it up in a statement glass.
