NEW YEAR´S EVE PARTY TIMELINE

at least 3 weeks out

  • Customize our printable New Year’s Eve Party invitations, and include a request that each guest email their favorite New Year’s toast when they RSVP.
  • Gather names, addresses and phone numbers, and mail invitations.

3 weeks out

  • Take inventory of your dinnerware and serveware. Make sure you also have ample chairs, table linens, champagne flutes and bar tools and buy anything else that you need.
  • Plan a menu that includes hors d’oeuvres, entrées, desserts, and champagne cocktails. (Choose recipes that allow for most of the food prep to be done in advance, so you’ll have a minimum of work to do the day of the party.)
  • Jot down a list of party favor ideas for guests.

2 weeks out

  • Review your menu and make a list of all ingredients.
  • Run through the recipes to identify all of the prep work that can be done ahead of time, and make a list of tasks to do the day of the party.
  • Begin creating a music playlist for the party – or, borrow from ours.
  • Decide on party favors, and make a list of any materials you’ll need to create them.

1 week out

  • Gather RSVPs and follow up with anyone who has not yet responded.
  • Shop for decorations, including candles, vases and place card holders.
  • Shop for party favor materials.

3 days out

  • Shop for ingredients for your menu.
  • Assemble, wrap and label party favors for each of your guests.

2 days out

  • Type up all of your New Year’s toasts, and use them to decorate the champagne flutes. (See How to Throw a New Year’s Eve Party for details.)
  • Review your timing for food prep the following day, and write out a clear schedule. Build in a little extra time to relax before guests arrive.

day before

  • Begin food prep according to your schedule.
  • Buy flowers.
  • Set up for the party, including decorating, setting the table, arranging chairs, prepping the bar area, etc.

day of

  • Prep last-minute food items according to your schedule.
  • Arrange flowers.
  • Buy ice.
  • Chill champagne or sparkling wine, and any other drinks that require it, at least 30 minutes in advance.
  • Light the candles.
  • Turn on your music, sip a drink, and get ready for a sparkling New Year’s Eve!