How to Celebrate New Years Eve At Home

As we close out 2020 and bid adieu to what has been, let’s just say a less than ideal year for most of us. I find myself wondering how to celebrate New Years Eve at home in a way that will properly capture the spirit of the night.

This year many of us may need to swap out of usual New Years Eve traditions for yet another celebration at home. So how do we properly capture the sparkling extravagance of this last night of the year?

Disclosure :: While I have been compensated by Waterford Crystal the opinions, photography, reviews and ideas stated are all my own.

A night usually filled with festive friends, festive frocks, and festive food. A night usually spent dancing the night away as we count down to the magical moment when the ball begins to drop in Times Square. When we finally loudly cheer in the New Year as the crowd breaks into a rendition of Auld Lang Syne. All the while freely kissing and hugging those around us.

We have heard it all before way too many times, and I get that me telling you to “stay strong” or “look at the bright side” may not make much difference in how you eventually celebrate the night. I do however hope that you can find some inspiration in my words and imagery. Some sort of bright spot that you can carry into your own celebration at home this New Year’s Eve and find ways to make this year, while different, just as special.

How to Celebrate New Years Eve At Home

Where to begin… Oh Yes. Let’s by begin setting up the beverage and appetizer table, complete with a bottle, or two, of bubbly and a pair of lovely toasting flutes of course!

But first, a little New Year’s Eve history for you…

As you know I am a big fan of Waterford (the brand and the geographic location) and although it may not be widely known, Waterford Crystal plays an enormous role in the Times Square celebration. I will bet that you have at least once in your lifetime watched the ball drop on New Year’s Eve. But did you know that that big bright beautiful symbol of ringing in the New Year is made up of 2,688 skillfully crafted Waterford Crystal triangles!

Thats right! For the past 20+ years, the iconic Waterford Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball has counted down to the New Year with revelers from all over the world; one million live in Times Square and 175 million people tune in from the U.S. alone!

“Each year, the Waterford Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball is updated with magnificent new Waterford triangles. This year, 192 of the 2,688 crystal panels that adorn the Waterford Ball will feature custom-designed Waterford triangles representing the “Gift of Happiness” design.”

In addition to being included on The Waterford Times Square New Year’s Eve Ball, the “Gifts of Happiness” pattern can be found on this year’s Waterford Crystal Times Square Collection which includes flutes, panel replica ornaments and a joyous snow globe.

but I digress! Let’s get back to how to celebrate New Year’s Eve at home…

Upgrade the Usual

I believe there are bottles of Bubbly that should be popped year round and not be held to only to be opened on special occasions, however this New Year’s Eve at home I will be upping my standard bubbly game and splurging on a few special bottles for the special night.

The short list of my current favorites are from Nicolas Feuillatte, Pol Roger and Mum Napa. This list is always evolving and I am sure it will look different in 2021.

If you are able to, may I suggest splurging a bit this year to upgrade the bottle you will pop at midnight. I promise you will feel fancier and it will upgrade your own private party, and maybe even bring you upgrade other things in the new year!

Now that you have the star of the show, it is time to bring out my second favorite part of New Year’s Eve, the fabulous toasting flutes! This year I will be toasting with my new Waterford “the Gift of Happiness” Flutes!

Set The Scene

Feel free to do the same or bring out your favorite “fancy flutes”, and place them on a tray on your beverage station. The tray will protect the surface from any bubbling over pours and also provides an additional layer of height and texture to your display.

For seasonal decor, Fill your table with fresh greens clipped from outside or the market, petite potted spruce trees, various lanterns filled with candles, low bunches of cut flowers and my favorite decor item of the 2020 holiday decorating season, gorgeous oversized sugar pine cones.

Festive cocktail napkins and small plates, along with NYE hats, horns and tiaras round out the must haves list. And now, we can start creating our New Year’s Eve at home menu.

New Year’s Eve at Home Menu

Pair your fancy flutes and upgraded bubbly selection with a few elevated appetizers to snack on while you are preparing your meal. Or make extra and enjoy them as your dinner.

This year I am making several batches of Scallion Pancakes and topping them with Herb Creme Fraiche and Caviar. They are an upgrade on the traditional recipe but are easy to reheat if Rockin’ Eve distracts you or if you prefer, make them ahead of time then reheat and top them as the night goes on.

They pair well with a charcuterie or cheese board, a classic shrimp cocktail, Mini Sweet Peppers stuffed with Beef & Couscous or for a retro twist try fondue!

I haven’t landed on my final menu yet but to round out the offerings we are considering take out Pho, sushi, my Spicy Street Tacos, or cast iron grilled filet with green peppercorn sauce; which I am pretty sure is at the top of my husbands wish list.

In case you hadn’t noticed, the theme of the evening is to upgrade the standard “night at home” celebration. Upgrade your beverages, upgrade your stemware, upgrade the decor and menu. Then go upgrade the leggings and top you were planning to wear. Put on the fancy frock and in the words of a man who knew a thing or two about how to capture the spirit of the occasion and Party Like It’s 1999!

No matter how you are spending this New Year’s Eve I wish you a very safe and festive New Year’s. Cheers to 2021 and to all it may bring us.

Lastly, if you are celebrating at home this New Years Eve be sure to leave a comment and let me know what you are planning. Above all, I love to hear from you all and always do my best to respond to each and every comment. And of course, if you do make any of my recipes or tablescapes, don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! Looking through the photos you all have made is my favorite!

XO- Krayl

Disclosure :: While I have been compensated by Waterford Crystal the opinions, photography, reviews and ideas stated in this feature are all my own.