While scrolling through my Facebook feed I’m seeing “memories” of New Years Eve past (or two days before, or a week before) when we would party like it was 1999 for a week. Even just seeing the posts and photos makes me exhausted. And this year has been a hell of a year for all of us. So we want to do another stay-at-home, hunker down, batten down the hatches, and just all around relax kind of New Years Eve. No frills and lots of laughs.

 

We have been fortunate enough to spend New Years with our friends that are family and the most important topic is always food. We like easy, delicious, and can be heated and re-heated all throughout the night.

 

Snacks:

Asparagus Salad | Cooking Classy 

Chicken Orzo Salad | Averie Cooks

Potato Skin | I Heart Nap Time 

Garlic Pull-Apart Bread | Delish Plan

 

Comfort Food:

Carnitas Tacos | Gimme Some Oven  

Pale Ale Chili | Homemade Interest 

Bacon, Shrimp, and Corn Chowder | The Blond Cook

Baked Million Dollar Spaghetti | Dinner Then Dessert

 

A little fun for the kiddos.

 

Freezer Bag Ice Cream | Freebie Finding Mom

Cannoli Dip | Homemade Hooplah

Birthday Cake Popcorn | Lil Luna 

 

Activities:

As far as activities go it really just depends on what we’re up for. Most of the night is spent with the kids dancing around while we’re gathered around the table laughing and talking. Sometimes we’re outside playing family knock out with all of us (thanks for the weather California). But here are a couple things to do that keeps you indoors too.

Pie-Face; because it’s not a party until food flies.

Uno Attack; when you find out for the first time how hard life can be.

Speak Out; working on your telepathy skills.

Cards Against Humanity; Clearly not for the kiddos but this is when you find out exactly who your friends are.

If all else fails there’s always Netflix and you know what? The kids always find something fun to do.

 

Mocktails and Cocktails

Everyone needs something to toast the New Year to. These are fun an easy recipes.

 

Kids:

Sparkling Pineapple Mocktail | The Frugal Girls

New Years Eve Mocktails | Modern Parents Messy Kids

Adults:

Butterbeer Jelly Shots | Sheek Shindigs 

Whiskey Punch | Sweatpants and Coffee 

Spiced Whiskey Punch

 

Decorations:

Completely up to you guys. But if you want to do just a little bit keep it simple.

Simple Printable Banner | Todays Creative Life

Make a couple and hang all over the place. Or maybe just over the couch.

Bubbly Wall Drink Station or Backdrop | Honey and Fitz

This is a really simple but fun way to dress things up. Grab some of your favorite balloons and go!

Balloon Clock (add confetti for a little more fun) | The Suburban Mom

Every hour the kids get to pop a balloon. Add a little bit of confetti before they’re blown up and you’ve got an hourly dance party.

Glow-in-the-Dark Everything | Livingly

You can easily find one of those giant pack of glow-sticks at any party store. This is a fun way for the kids to feel festive and an easy way to keep tabs as they dart around the house.

 

Attire:

Whatever you want. I’ve worn comfy clothes and put on a little bit of make-up just to feel festive. Sweatpants, extra-soft shirt, cozy sweater or sweatshirt and you’re set. And for the kids? Pajamas. STAY COMFY! But if you need some ideas…

Grumpy But Grateful

S&C Love Sweatshirt

Sweatpants & Coffee Slouch Beanie

 

Don’t be too hard on yourself or others for this day folks. It’s going to come and go and then we’ll all be rested up and ready for whatever 2017 is going to throw at us.

 

Happy New Years Eve!

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