Hey Oles! You’ve made it through an entire semester and plowed through exams, and now you’ve got two whole weeks to let your hair down and relax. New Years is the perfect time to celebrate all of the hard work you’ve put in this year and enjoy having no commitments (besides looking cute and maybe trying to catch that cutie in the corner’s eye before the clock strikes midnight). Make sure you have your best New Years Eve yet by playing hostess and throwing your own party! With these tips, your party will be the place to be as the ball drops.
1. Invite the right people
Parties are only fun if you are comfortable with the people that are there. Invite your friends, and tell them that they can bring a +1 if you don’t mind meeting some new people. Parties are also a great opportunity to get to know people (and crushes!) better, so don’t be shy about extending the invitation to that cutie from Biology or the girl you work with on Thursday nights. It will give you something to talk about, and provide them with a chance to meet some of your other friends.
2. Don’t forget decorations!
The New Years are all about celebrating the past year and the chance to start over again. Who wants to celebrate in a boring room without any atmosphere? Spruce up your surroundings by sprinkling confetti everywhere and hanging gold and silver balloons. If you’re feeling crafty, check out this post on Buzzfeed for DIY decorating ideas, including glittery paper lanterns and creating a sequined backdrop to use as a photoshoot for guests.
3. Food is always a good idea
Since you’re already hosting the party, take some of the stress off of yourself and make the event either BYOA (Bring Your Own Appetizer) or BYOD (Bring Your Own Dessert) and turn it into a potluck of snacky foods. This is easier than planning out a meal that will please everyone, and this way you get to try out lots of different foods without overdoing it.
4. Have a playlist ready
If you already know your party is going to be a dance floor within the first ten minutes, don’t awkwardly scramble to find the best songs on your iPod. Have a fast, upbeat playlist all set before guests arrive, or check out the options on Pandora or Spotify. The “End of Year” section on Pandora is sure to produce some good hits.
5. Dress to impress (but don’t forget comfort!)
New Year’s Eve is the perfect time to experiment with a new look, or break out those five-inch sparkly pumps that have been gathering dust at the back of your closet. Just remember that you’ll look your best when you feel good and are not constantly readjusting your too-short skirt or thinking about the blisters accumulating on your feet. Try a pair of shoes with a thicker heel or some loose glittery shorts that will be comfortable to move in but still look chic.
Photo Credits: New Year’s Eve, Party, Sequin Backdrop, Appetizer, Ipod, NYE Outfit