Welcoming a New Year
Ultimate family game night. For families with younger kids, just making it to midnight on New Year’s Eve can be quite a feat. Keep everyone happy with a big pile of games to choose from, a fun movie, tasty finger foods and festive drinks — sparkling cider for the kids, champagne for the grown-ups. Props are a must, so be sure to provide noisemakers, funny hats and fluffy boas for dressing up.
Lucky-food party. Looking for a more casual alternative to the typical fancy dinner party? Host a potluck lucky-food party. Email friends in advance with a food and drinks sign-up sheet, and commit to providing anything left on the list after sign-ups. Here are a few ideas: ◦Black-eyed peas and greens, to symbolize prosperity in the new year ◦Long noodles for a long life ◦Coin-shaped cookies ◦Pork or other rich foods, for a year of riches ◦12 grapes to be eaten when the clock strikes midnight, representing good luck in each month of the year ahead ◦Ring-shaped foods (bagels, doughnuts or ring cake) to symbolize a year coming full circle ◦Fish for good luck
Get outside. Being outdoors at night (in winter, no less!) is sure to make a New Year’s celebration memorable. Here are a few ideas: ◦For a short jaunt outdoors, head out to make a special wish upon a star for the coming year. ◦If you have a fire bowl or pit in your backyard, consider having a bonfire. Invite your guests to write down something they want to let go of from 2014, then toss the slips of paper into the fire.
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