A polka dotty New Year party
Tired of formal New Year affairs? We are. So we created an atmosphere focused on mingling, dancing, laughing and reminiscing. Check out our party idea filled with inexpensive, easy and fun ways to shake up how you celebrate the year that’s gone and another trip around the sun.
MARIUS stool
We went all-in with a polka dot theme! Why? Dots create a big, smile-creating impression while being easy to make and decorate with anywhere—like we did in this garage. We chose black and white for a bit of formal flair and mixed in yellow for a cheerful pop. Then we customized pieces like paper lamps and hats. Guests can even dress in dots or the party colors. Furniture and textiles with circular shapes pull the theme together, too. Stackable, lightweight pieces give you flexibility to move things around during the party.
We went all-in with a polka dot theme! Why? Dots create a big, smile-creating impression while being easy to make and decorate with anywhere—like we did in this garage. We chose black and white for a bit of formal flair and mixed in yellow for a cheerful pop. Then we customized pieces like paper lamps and hats. Guests can even dress in dots or the party colors. Furniture and textiles with circular shapes pull the theme together, too. Stackable, lightweight pieces give you flexibility to move things around during the party.
Even with lots of mingle-inducing tables, you can still impress guests with a multi-course meal. Just put each course in a glass instead of plates and bowls. This makes it easier to prep (line ‘em up and fill ‘em up), serve (trays, glorious trays), eat (stand up and move about) and clean (stack, wash, repeat). We put vinyl dots on IKEA 365+ glasses, so guests know whose is whose. Choose recipes that are fork, spoon or finger friendly. Knives are tricky. Bring everything out in rounds or all at once!
DITTE fabric
And if there’s stuff in your garage or basement or party spot that you can’t move or don’t want on display, just cover it up! We painted a ton of dots on DITTE fabric and used it to hide cluttered shelving units. It’s a quick way to make a big impression, too. The fabric can do double duty as a photo backdrop, which is a bonus for our last tip.
And if there’s stuff in your garage or basement or party spot that you can’t move or don’t want on display, just cover it up! We painted a ton of dots on DITTE fabric and used it to hide cluttered shelving units. It’s a quick way to make a big impression, too. The fabric can do double duty as a photo backdrop, which is a bonus for our last tip.
MÅLA paper
Last but not least, create a simple, shareable, scrapbook-worthy photo opportunity. To make ours, we cut out big paper letters to spell Happy New Year! Let guests take their own snapshots with the letters or try your hand at a group shot. You can always mail guests a photo later in the new year, so they’ll be reminded of all the fun they had that night and all the good people they have in life.
Last but not least, create a simple, shareable, scrapbook-worthy photo opportunity. To make ours, we cut out big paper letters to spell Happy New Year! Let guests take their own snapshots with the letters or try your hand at a group shot. You can always mail guests a photo later in the new year, so they’ll be reminded of all the fun they had that night and all the good people they have in life.
