The New Year’s Eve house party

Throw the ultimate New Year's Eve house party with tips on lighting, seating, food, entertainment & more!

“Come on Barbie, let’s go party!” — Aqua’s 1997 song may be on your playlist thanks to Greta Gerwig’s big hit. Setting up your home for a New Year’s Eve (NYE) party is also about creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. From choosing the right lighting, cleaning tables and countertops, to rearranging furniture to create comfy seating areas, and setting out a finger food buffet, it’s important to set the right tone for the evening.

Sumit Dhawan, Founder and Principal Architect, Cityspace’ 82 Architects, says the NYE party house has evolved beyond the confines of decor, transcending into an immersive and sensorial experience. “The celebrations involve a strategic fusion of design elements, emphasising colour palettes and materials to evoke the desired atmosphere,” he says. “Opt for warm, inviting hues like earthy tones or calming pastels that encourage conviviality and relaxation,” he adds.

As the sun sets on 2023, follow our tips to throw the ultimate house party that will leave guests talking about it for years to come.

The living room, often the largest in a house, is the perfect place to host a new year shindig. If the place doesn’t seem enough, rearrange the furniture to promote easy movement. Use the chairs and tables to create specific designated areas — for mixing drinks, socialising, or dining.

Dhawan says it’s vital to consider the flow and functionality of the house. “Open floor plans encourage movement and social interaction, seamlessly connecting indoor and outdoor spaces. Smart design elements like sliding glass doors or large windows blur the boundaries, allowing guests to transition effortlessly, and enhancing the overall experience,” he says.

Swati Patel, a Vadodara-based interior designer, says access to an outdoor space, be it a backyard, patio, or a terrace, changes the game. “Combine the open space with the living room/ dining area to create a larger space that takes advantage of natural elements.”

She suggests using “creative lighting options such as a string of bulbs or a series of candles, opt for comfortable seating arrangements, and set up themed food stations that make accessing snacks easier,” she says.