What are your plans for New Year’s Eve?
If you have young children and you don’t have a sitter, then you’re probably planning to call it a night shortly after watching Ryan Seacrest or Anderson Cooper call color on a dropping ball in Times Square.
Yeah, me too.
Or not.
You don’t have to bid farewell to 2011 in your pajamas with the TV remote in one hand and a Diet coke in the other. Rather, consider hosting a family-friendly New Year’s Eve party.
One of the hottest trends in end-of-the-year shindigs is the green theme. Eco-friendly New Year’s Eve parties motivate guests to set some green resolutions for the year ahead. That means no paper confetti being thrown into the air when the clock strikes 12. You’ll want to skip the paper hats and noise makers too. Instead, bring in instruments, light a bunch of candles, and dine on organic dishes. Also, each guest must share a plant-preserving resolution with the rest of the group, such as carpooling to work, unplugging appliances when they are not in use or turning off the lights when you leave a room.
Another option is to go fun-formal. Encourage guests of all ages to dress in their fanciest outfits. Add silver, black and white decor to your home, as well as a large clock so everyone can countdown to midnight together. Set the mood with show tunes and teach the kids a few ballroom dance moves. In addition, you can set-up different game stations in various rooms in the house. For example, guests can play Twister and Pop the Pig in the basement, while others compete in chess and checkers upstairs.
Regardless of your party’s theme, don’t forget to set out a nice spread for your guests. Line the table with a variety of kid-friendly finger foods and plenty of sparkling apple cider for everyone to enjoy.
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