Don’t call off the celebration
Image from Flickr.
With the New Year right around the corner, people will be gearing up for celebrations, but if the holidays have left you without any money now, you may need to plan less costly events.
Do not worry though; low cost festivities do not have to mean pizza and a movie rental. There are plenty of inexpensive ways to ring in 2010 and still have a great time. All you really need are good friends and a special activity and you are on your way.
Let it Snow! Let it Snow! Let it Snow!
If you live in an area where there is snow, take advantage of the opportunity and take the fun outdoors. Ask everyone to bundle up and bring toboggans, sleds, crazy carpets, inner tubes or whatever else would make a good sledding device. Find a great little (or big) hill, and you have got the setting for your night time fun.
If you need some light, lanterns create a festive mood. Also, if there is an area for a bonfire, even better. Bring along marshmallows and hot dogs to roast to keep everyone fuelled up for their trek back up the hill. Late-night sledding with friends is a blast. When everyone is ready to warm up, move the festivities inside for some spiked hot chocolate, and ring in the New Year while you warm back up.
Upscale Cocktail Party for Less
If indoor activities are more your style, host a cocktail party featuring finger foods and sparkling wine or a signature drink. You can either make the appetizers yourself or ask each of your guests to bring their favorite finger food. (This can really keep costs down if you have no money now, and it allows others to share holiday favorites too).
Keep it simple when it comes to the drinks. Either choose one or two kinds of sparkling wine to offer guests or create a signature drink for the party; you can even give your drink a catchy name that shows off your creativity or hopes for the New Year. Lighting candles is an inexpensive way to set the mood. You can also pick up discounted holiday decor. Try to choose pieces that are less Christmas and more winter themed. Ornaments in silver and blue, sparkly white snowflakes and other such elements can help create a winter wonderland in your space.
Don’t Whine; Pop open some Wine
New Year’s Eve can be a great time to host a wine and cheese tasting party. Ask each guest or couple to bring a bottle of their favorite wine and a wedge of their favorite cheese. When the guests arrive with their bottles you can cover each with a numbered paper sleeve. Guests can mingle and sample the different wines and cheeses. You only really need to put out some simple foods such as bread, olives, crackers and pickles for guests to munch on with their wine and cheese. At some point in the evening, each person can vote for their favorite wine. You can prepare a small gift for the person who brought the winning bottle.
Think Fun and Unique
Don’t worry if you are low on money now. New Year’s celebrations can still be a ton of fun. Just think outside of the box and surround yourself with good people. The fun will certainly follow!
