You’ve decided at the last minute you want to stay in for New Year’s Eve. That’s a wise choice. The crowds, cold air, too many drinks and high expectations likely mean ringing in 2026 with mascara running down your cheeks.

But now you don’t have time to plan a party at home. Don’t stress. Professional event planner Bri Thomas, owner of Party People Event Design in Las Vegas (partypeopleeventdesign.com), throws elaborate, upscale celebrations (like a recent three-day birthday getaway in Majorca). She offers tips on how to pull off an elevated NYE soiree without much effort.

“Going into the new year, it’s about embracing less stress, so don’t overthink it,” Thomas says. “Focus on creating an experience your guests will enjoy. Good music, simple food and a few thoughtful details go a long way.”

Eleventh-Hour Eats

If you like your neighbors, Thomas says planning a house crawl on your block relieves the pressure of hosting alone.

“The first house might have tacos and margaritas, and the next house may have pizza bites and beer… the next house might have Champagne and dessert,” she says. “That way, all the food and drinks don’t fall on you.”

The house crawl also has built-in entertainment with the shifting environments, and it’s fun for kids.

If you have the time and energy, make something you can keep warm on the stove, like chili, hot chocolate or mulled wine. Allow guests to serve themselves and choose fun garnishes to their liking.

If you have the budget, consider just using a food delivery app and putting the food in nicer dishes. You can also purchase pre-prepped snacks, like Trader Joe’s frozen artichoke and spinach dip. Transfer it into a decorative bowl, and top it with breadcrumbs and parmesan.

Crunchtime Cocktails

Thomas suggests serving drinks that pair with the classic NYE theme.

“Depending on when you start your party, let’s say eight or nine, you could have a different Champagne cocktail on the hour,” she says.

Her go-to is a French 75 with a Champagne base, gin, a little honey or simple syrup and lemon. Another option is an Airmail, a classic cocktail made with rum, lime juice, honey and Champagne. Keep them coming until the midnight toast.

Thomas also suggests setting up margarita, Moscow mule or boozy hot chocolate stations,as not everyone enjoys astringent Champagne. But make it classy with better glassware.

“If you ditch the Solo cups and the plastic flutes and actually use copper mugs or real coupe glasses and stemware, that’ll just elevate the party.”

Doable Decor

You can NYE-ify the environment by repurposing Christmas decorations. For instance, Thomas says you can take the ornaments off the tree and replace them with silver and gold tinsel, New Year’s glasses, headbands, hats and other accessories guests can keep.

“It’s a little interactive moment, and you’re utilizing your Christmas tree that you already have standing there anyway,” she says.

For a simpler touch, she suggests ordering chrome balloons in different shapes, like starbursts, and leaving them on the floor.

“Always add a fresh floral arrangement. Whether you purchase it from somewhere or if you make it yourself, that always is going to elevate your space,” she says.

Easy Entertainment

For simple entertainment, try a DIY photo booth made with a tripod, a phone and metallic fringe backdrop that can be found at Target. Give guests props, party blowers and confetti to throw in the air for more candid shots.

“I do want to mention music,” she says. “Lots of times, people just turn on the radio, or they turn on the news, or whatever they’re watching until the countdown. I would definitely say leave the TV on, but pick a theme for your playlist.”

She recommends downloading a playlist from a favorite DJ, or 2000s hip-hop or ‘90s R&B—something that keeps energy up and takes the pressure off deciding what to play.

Games like Twister or Jenga will scratch people’s nostalgia itch, or Cards Against Humanity could get everyone talking. You can separate the game into its own room for people who want to participate.

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