From our Friends at Fete Collection!

New Year’s Eve is certainly a time to celebrate, but many smart Bostonians know to avoid the crowded bars with their expensive cover charges and cold appetizers and spend the evening celebrating at a festive house party. Are you hosting this year? Whether you’re welcoming 4 or 40 guests, we’d like to pass on a few easy tips for making your night fun and stress free- because who wants more stress when we know a storm could drop two feet of snow on the streets of Southie any day now?!?

Tip #1- Keep drinks simple. Most guests will likely show up with some form of alcohol and past experience has shown that its usually something the guest themselves want to drink. This cuts down on the work you have to do, because you don’t have to worry about stocking a full bar with everyone’s favorite drink. But make sure you put out a fun spread on your bar cart or create a signature cocktail for the night. An easy choice for New Year’s Eve is a Champagne Bar- 3 or 4 different varieties of bubbly, some Prosecco, and a couple mixers will keep guests entertained and well on their way to tipsy. Social Wines has a great selection of bubbly and the staff is very friendly and helpful!

Tip #2– Apps, lots of apps. Don’t tell this to my big Irish family, but you don’t need tables full of food to have a successful Holiday bash. We’re all stuffed from the feeding frenzy of the last week anyway. Keep your food spread easy and mess free- cheese trays, veggie trays, pigs in a blanket, caprese skewers, and the old standby of chips and salsa are always crowd pleasers and easy (clean) for people to eat when they are standing (usually in sparkly skirts and high heels).  Foodies is the perfect spot for one stop shopping for your party!  You can even order online and have it delivered!  

Tip #3– Plan your music and any games ahead of time. I remember spending hours making the perfect mix CDs for parties when I was younger. Now, this can be done with virtually no thought using Spotify, Pandora, Apple Music, or whatever your music service of choice is. Queue up your favorite Spotify station before the party starts or enlist a friend whose music taste you trust. Depending on how well your guests know each other, you might want to incorporate a couple games to break the ice. The list is too long to mention here, just Google “new years eve party games” and you’re set.

Tip #4– Fun party props. At Fete Collection, we know how to party- from cocktail shakers to coasters, drinking games to drinking straws- we have the special touches that make guests smile and your life easier. Let us help you with the details for NYE or any other bash you may throw in 2017.

Tip #5- RELAX. As the host or hostess, you want to make your guests feel comfortable- they won’t be if you’re running around like a chicken with your head cut off. Using the tips above, you’ll be able to create an enjoyable night for everyone, yourself included. Relax and have fun (and don’t worry about all the party clean up you have to do until next year)!

Fete Collection is open 11-5 on Saturday for all your last minute party needs- and some great sales going on!