Hosting The Perfect Kid Friendly NYE Party | Stamford Moms

New Years Eve is one of those holidays that can be confusing to figure out how to celebrate… especially when kids are involved. Do you get a babysitter and drop a ton of money on dinner and drinks? Sit home, watch TV and treat it as just another night? When talking about NYE, my husband and I had the same dilemma. So, we decided that this year we’ll host a kid-friendly NYE party (starting at 5 p.m. of course) and going until… the kids have a meltdown?

Whether we make it to the ball drop in NYC or not, one thing I want to be sure to do is make it fun for both the adults and the kids!

Here’s how I plan to make that happen:

An Online Invitation

When hosting a party, I love sending an invite rather than simply sending a text. I just think it sets the tone for the party and adds an element of fun! But, sending paper invites can be pricey and can be looked over, especially with all the holiday mail. So, I opted for an online invite for the party. Minted now has e-invites and they’re as amazing as their paper products!

Here’s the one we used!

The Food

Simple is always best when trying to get something everyone will like! And there are a few options:

  1. Order pizza… you can’t go wrong!
  2. Order Mexican! If you do, I highly recommend California Tortilla!
  3. Serve a bunch of appetizers… mini hot dogs, pizza bagels, this delicious brie etc.
  4. Make chili! It’s easy, comforting and everyone will love it!

Adult Beverages

You can’t go wrong with beer, wine and champagne of course!

Don’t be afraid to ask your guests for help with this! Ask everyone to bring their favorite champagne or beer to share.

If you want to add a little something extra, Eva Amurri Martino of Happily Eva After has a great recipe for a festive champagne cocktail!

Keep the decorating fun & SIMPLE

I put together a list on Amazon with great NYE items to get everyone feeling festive.

My suggestion is, get some festive (and disposable) plates and napkins, disposable champagne flutes (who wants to stay up washing grandma’s by hand until 2 a.m.?) and a fun banner or two! These hanging champagne bottles are awesome!

Take things to the next level with a photo booth! (Fun for kids and adults!) I highly recommend Balloonmojo if you’re really looking to go above and beyond. The Stamford company specializes in organic balloon garlands, but also creates balloon columns, centerpieces, traditional arches and MORE. You dream up an idea and they will come to your house to create it for you! I’m so excited for them to create our photo backdrop for NYE! I ordered these props to have on hand for everyone to take fun photos!

Kids’ Entertainment

I definitely want to be sure to keep the kids entertained! So, we’ll be setting up a play tent and tunnel like this one. I’m also going to grab some noisemakers and temporary tattoos for the older kids! Plus, I found some great printables like this one for festive coloring, online! And even a color your own NYE hat for the kids!

And nothing says Happy New Year like a balloon drop! So we’re going to orchestrate one for the kids in the playroom. Since most won’t make it until midnight, we’ll celebrate 2019 at 6 p.m. EST when Germany, Paris, Madrid & Rome are all ringing in the new year! Check here for a list of when 2019 starts around the globe!

Netflix is making the early celebration easy! Yesterday, they released 14 countdown programs to play for the kids whenever you want to get the party started!

Most of all, don’t forget that even though you’re hosting… you should pour yourself a glass of champagne, get in on the photo booth fun and toast to 2019!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

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