How to Throw a New Year's Eve Bash on a Budget
Tips on how to make your party fun and affordable this year.
Dec. 28, 2010 — -- No need to break the bank for your New Years Eve party this year. Make it your resolution to stay on budget with these tips from "Good Morning America" that will help you keep your gathering fun and affordable.
Embrace a Theme
The best way to weave a common thread throughout your party is to have an overarching theme. It doesn't have to be over the top. For instance, what is everyone's favorite part of New Year's Eve? That last 10 seconds, when the ball is dropping and everyone is standing together, cheering the countdown. Take that one simple idea: the countdown. Then reinvent it in various ways throughout the night.
Numbers—Display 3-dimensional oversize numbers (10, 9, 8, 7, etc) around the room, and as your table centerpieces in various sizes, colors and tiers. (You can buy the cardboard kind at a crafts store and simply spray-paint them in silver or gold.) Buy "2011" number stamps to jazz up napkins, paper cups and drink stirrers.
Clocks— Use inexpensive clocks in all shapes and sizes for trays and table decor. Set them to different times around the world and celebrate each time the clock strikes midnight.
The Elements of Design
Take an inventory of the elements you will need for your party to succeed ... and then look at them from a different point of view. Just take a step back and enhance the basic tenets already there.
Glass Tier—Use items -- such as your glassware -- as design elements. Take all the glasses that will be on your bar and display them in a tier or pyramid layout. Have the bottom tier contain 10 glasses, the next 9, all the way up to one at the top. (Again, subtly incorporate your countdown theme.)
Bubbles and Bites—Use bubblewrap as your table linen. Cut the wrap to fit your table and secure underneath. Then place plates and trays on top, complete with appetizers and champagne flutes.
Related Stories
ABC News Live