6 tips for welcoming 2019 in style
What are you doing New Year’s Eve? We’re not just quoting the title of a song performed exquisitely by Ella Fitzgerald, we really want to know. If you always host a party, or perhaps you’re taking on this challenge for the first time this year, we have a novel idea for you: have it outside. While most of the rest of the country is freezing – especially the folks crammed into Time’s Square – we’re lucky in that fact that we don’t have to be inside because of the weather. So instead of having everybody in your living room waiting for the ball to drop, why not have your party in your backyard? To make a perfect venue in which to usher in the New Year, here are a few tips:
1. Provide the right illumination
One of the first things to think about for your backyard party is lighting. Since things will probably get going after sundown, you’ll need to make sure your guests aren’t tripping over each other (and you also will be able to see who they’re kissing at midnight). While you don’t want things too bright, there are a variety of ways to create a nice atmosphere. Some well-placed string lights may be all you need.
2. Use your pool…but not for swimming
If your guests want to go for a dip, you don’t have to stop them. However, chances are it will be too cool to swim. Fortunately, your pool can serve another purpose. With some balloons and glow sticks, suddenly you’ve got some vibrant flotation devices that will add to the ambiance.
3. Plan a great menu
If you’re an avid barbecuer, an outdoor party may give you an excuse to get your grill going. But if you don’t want to worry about a full meal, finger foods and smaller bites could be the better choice. However, instead of the usual fare, maybe it’s time to try something different, like pizza-stuffed mushrooms. And, of course, you’ll want to have a nice selection of wine and beer on hand, and perhaps some harder stuff for cocktails. (Just be sure everybody has a safe way to get home.) To top off the evening, why not make some s’mores? It could be a fitting way to usher in a sweet 2019.
4. Crowdsource the music
Sure, you can turn the radio on or play your own music, but a more fun option is to have everybody contribute. In advance, send out emails to your guests asking for song ideas. Find as many as you can and – along with your choices – you’ve now created a playlist you know everyone will appreciate.
5. Play some games
While they wait for midnight, you can keep your guests entertained by playing games. Classics like charades are always fun, but there are quite a few others to consider. Two Resolutions and a Lie, for example, involves everybody writing down two real resolutions they have for next year, along with a fake one. Everyone else then has to guess which are real and which are made up.
6. Avoid party crashers
No, not your neighbor who always seems to stop by when he smells food. There are worse guests you can have at your party: mosquitos. You probably know how quickly they can ruin a nice outdoor event, which is why you need to plan in advance to keep them away from your festivities. An easy way to do this is to install a mosquito misting system, which works automatically to prevent the bugs from invading your yard. To learn more about how it works or to schedule a free onsite consultation, contact Platinum Mosquito Protection.