Last-Minute New Year's Eve Party Tips

Meat and cheese platters on a table next to a flameless candle

Planning a spur-of-the-moment NYE bash? Our tips and tricks will inspire you to conquer your kitchen and create dazzling décor – all before the clock strikes midnight!

We’re Helping You Host an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Celebration

Say cheers to the New Year by plotting a stress-free gathering for your friends and family! We’ve mapped out the ultimate guide for a simple and spontaneous celebration that can be thrown together in a flash. And since you can find everything you need for a fabulous fete in-store, doing your event shopping is a snap.

Get the party started and fill your shopping cart with shindig essentials:

  • Décor: Keep it simple. Grab a ready-made centerpiece from the floral department, or choose a bouquet of your favorite flowers. Candles add a festive glow to any event; today’s battery-operated flameless candles look just like the real thing and there’s no worry about wax drips or fire hazards. Look for crepe paper to craft your own streamers, and pick up a variety of helium balloons (white, black and gold are especially pretty for New Year’s Eve). Use paper or plastic tablecloths and plastic utensils to make cleanup a breeze.
  • Hors d’oeuvres: Visit the Deli for ready-made veggie trays, meat and cheese platters, salads and more. Choose a selection of crackers, chips and nuts to have on hand. Check the frozen department for heat-and-serve nibbles, and top off your festive feast with a selection of olives and pickles. Remember to pick up a box of toothpicks for skewering finger foods.
  • Breads and desserts: Offer guests a fresh lineup of breads and rolls from the Bakery. Croissants, mini rye slices and hearty wheat are sure to please. For dessert, choose a decorated cake, miniature cupcakes, bars, petit fours or holiday cookies.
  • Beverages: Break out the bubbly and give your guests a variety of sparkling drinks to sip! You could offer wine (red and white), beer, soda and sparkling water. Or offer a signature drink – find a recipe you like and stock up on everything you’ll need. If you’re setting up a full bar, grab mixers, lemons, limes, maraschino cherries and olives. And of course, remember the ice!

Voilà – instant party! Now for the fun part: welcoming your guests and creating warm memories.