New Year’s Eve: A Hosting How-To Social stars and planners on making an evening to remember
It’s that time of the year: the invitations are coming in faster than you can say ‘RSVP’ and there’s a thrilling sense of celebration in the air. To get into the spirit of things, we asked these women- and men-about-town to share their most memorable parties and tips for making your bash one for the books.
Can you tell us about your most memorable New Year’s Eve party?
It was on Ngapali Beach in Burma. The theme was ‘Bejewelled’, so we dressed in sequins, danced on the beach and had a giant bonfire. The otherworldly combination of elements made it spectacular.
— Feiping Chang, Founder of xoxofei.com
It was organised by my great friend Ivan Pun – a three-day Burmese extravaganza. New Year’s Eve dinner was hosted in the garden of one of his restaurants in Yangon.
— Nick Buckley Wood, Asia Director for Galerie Thaddaeus Ropac
We made spontaneous plans on the morning of the 31st. Friends’ parents were visiting from Germany, so we all prepared food, decorated the table, sang together, played games and drank homemade German schnapps. It turned out to be the most fun, and most heartfelt, New Year’s Eve.
— Diane Nittke, Creative Director of Ellerman Flower Boutique and Event Design Atelier
What are the key ingredients that guarantee a memorable party?
Anyone who goes to my Mum's parties will know hers are the best in Hong Kong! She taught me good food and wine, good lighting and good music. When the simple things are taken care of, everything else falls into place.
— Avni Jhunjhnuwala, Founder of ekoshiki (@ekoshiki)
In terms of decor, you need the wow factor — a sculptural floral piece, unexpected taxidermy. Having a talking piece and a photo spot is always important to mark your party. So is guests’ attire — the fun of prepping your party outfit is part of the experience!
— Laura Cheung, Founder of LALA CURIO
A unique location or venue always gives people the sense that anything can happen. If your guests need to make an effort to get to the party, then the urge to have a good time is amplified.
— Nick Buckley Wood
What tips do you have for New Year’s Eve hosts?
For food, keep it moving. Serve cocktails and canapes in one area, hold dinner in another, and offer desserts or nightcaps in a third (depending on the size of your apartment, of course!). Call in wait staff; even if you're not catering the entire evening, consider hiring a bartender to free up your time. Keep the menu simple and the bar full.
An underrated way for your guests to get to know one another is by playing group games. Interactive food can also get people chatting. Consider hiring an oyster shucker, buying a fondue set or investing in a truffle that guests can self-grate onto their dishes.
— Lucia Tait Tolani (@luciataittolani), interiors and personal styling events planner
Pay attention to details: create a thoughtful invitation and hand-written place cards, prepare food and drinks you know your guests love, and make a meaningful toast. Consider the seating plan; try to mix introverts and extroverts, great conversationalists and excellent listeners, and people of all ages. Try to include something surprising, whether it’s a fun, intelligent party game, a performance or an after-dinner port tasting.
— Diane Nittke
Finally, as Diane reminds us, ‘It’s not the scale or the cost that makes an affair memorable. It’s about making it personal and making everyone feel comfortable and welcomed.’
3,2,1… Happy Hosting!
