It’s Almost the New Year!
Anyone can host a standard New Year’s Eve party by picking up confetti, cheap champagne and a gorgeous cheese board. But will that keep your guests excited until the big hand is on the 12?
Set this year’s celebration apart by throwing it back to the ’20s with a glam Great Gatsby- or speakeasy-inspired party. Think fringe dresses, art deco decor, fancy cocktails, vintage touches and, of course, lots of yummy food. Here are a few easy steps to get you started.
Go for the Gold (Decor)
Finding gold party decorations isn’t hard, but skip the standard fare and go for gold fans instead. These black and gold party fans ($11) can hang above your buffet or drink station or serve as a photo backdrop wall for Instagram-worthy pics. Go even further and download Great Gatsby photo props ($6).
Do Some DIY
Don’t throw away those empty wine and champagne bottles from the holidays. Upcycle them with gold glitter spray paint. Do the same with the numbers 2020 from your craft store and hot glue on the bottles for a fun and eye-catching centerpiece.
If you’re giving away bottles of bubbly, here’s how to decorate them.
Get Balloons and Bubbly
You’ll also need balloons, obviously, and these “Pop, Fizz, Clink” balloons ($5) are too cute and send just the right message. They’ll go great next to your bar cart—if you need one, Pottery Barn has this gorgeous model ($549) that Jay Gatsby definitely would’ve wanted in his collection (here’s how to stock it right).
Consider scouring antique and thrift stores for vintage champagne glasses—then turn them into the perfect champagne tower.
Serve Chic Drinks
Speaking of antique glasses, fill the rest with a signature cocktail. We suggest our Mango Bellini or something on this list of classic cocktails. We’re all about the French 75 (gin, champagne, lemon juice, simple syrup), a Gin Rickey (gin, lime juice, seltzer) and the Sidecar (cognac, triple sec, lemon juice).
Glam up Your Apps
What is glam food, you may wonder? Well, let’s start with Honey Champagne Fondue. Just the name invokes the opulence your party deserves. Offer guests some unexpectedly delicious dunkers like Granny Smith apple slices, endive leaves, asparagus spears and shrimp.
Fill your buffet table with more classic ’20s dishes like Oysters Rockefeller and any of these other vintage appetizers.
Make Glitzy Desserts
For dessert, bake these Champagne Blondies. Fill out your dessert table with homemade cake pops and a classic Vanilla White Chocolate Mousse, served up in pretty antique coup glasses. Bonus points if you sprinkle edible gold stars ($6) over everything.
Play a Silent Film
Find an old black-and-white silent film on one of the many movie-streaming services out there to set the scene as guests arrive. Some ideas: City Lights, Pandora’s Box, Our Hospitality or Seven Chances.
And Put on the Jazz
Jazz was the epitome of the Roaring ’20s, so do your party justice with this specially curated playlist we’ve crafted for you. All the big names from every era of jazz are represented: Louis, Bessie, Miles, Ella, Duke mixed in with some modern pop hits. You’ve got to make sure to keep guests awake and energized till the ball drops.
Send Home Sweet Favors
Once the clock strikes 12, you can’t let guests leave empty-handed. Bake a batch of these chic Cinnamon Roll Macarons and tuck them in little boxes tied with a gold bow. If you’d rather leave the baking to the pros, order them from the best bakery in your state.
The post Host a ‘Great Gatsby’ Bash on New Year’s Eve appeared first on Taste of Home.
Amanda Kippert