new year's eve party planning!
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New Year's Eve: The pinnacle of the entire holiday season! Whether you're celebrating with a few friends at home or headed out for a night on the town, New Year's Eve is the perfect way to ring in the new year with a fabulous outfit, friends galore, and, of course, fun cocktails!
So if you're thinking of hosting some guests this New Year's, here are a few ideas to get your party off on the right foot!
First, pick your start time carefully. If you're having an evening affair, think about starting later than usual -- think, 9 p.m. or even later -- so that everyone can be fashionably late and still see the ball drop! Three or four hours is the perfect amount of time for a party to last, so accommodate the early birds and the late night-ers with a carefully picked start.
Next, set up a few small stations where guests can enjoy cocktails and appetizers at their own pace. I like to have a dish of canapes right when guests come through the doors, but I keep our main bar on the other side of the house. That way, people have to mingle and you don't wind up with a crowd by the door and crickets everywhere else in your house. Especially if you're having a large group over, this keeps things from getting too cramped!
Finally, put some thought into your cocktails! We spend so much time picking menus and choosing decor, and then forget to be creative when it comes to the most important part of a party: the cocktails! Wine is always great, but amp your party up a notch with unique holiday cocktails like Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha -- trust me, when this bottle is on your bar, no one will be able to resist! Serve it with freshly made espresso (my recipe is below!) to keep the party going till midnight and beyond!
One last cute idea from the Kahlua Holiday website: before your guests arrive, decorate some of your glasses with peppermint rims to serve Kahlua Peppermint White Russians! I loved their easy DIY video for this beautiful, creative idea -- what a fun way to make your holiday party extra special!
2015 is going to be an amazing year, and with these tips, you and your guests will be ringing it in with style!
Kahlúa is best when sipped responsibly. Stay safe this holiday season and don't drink and drive!
Kahlúa Mocha Espresso
INGREDIENTS
1 part Kahlúa Peppermint Mocha
1 part Espresso
1/4 tsp vanilla
DIRECTIONS
Mix together Kahlua, vanilla and a fresh brewed espresso. Shake vigorously, and strain into your preferred serving glass.
Disclosure: I have been compensated for this post, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.