Our usual New Year plans include a big family house party on NYE followed by Steve and I going to our local pubs on New Year's Day and the kids go to their grandparents and usually visit the beach / have a cosy night in. Obviously this won't be happening this year and to be honest, I am not even sure I want to celebrate 2020 or 2020 ending when it looks like it is just going to be more of the same next year.
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However, the kids absolutely love New Year and staying up late so I want to make it a bit of an occasion for them still and it is nice to have something to look forward to. I asked on Social Media for a few ideas to make the night a little more special at home and have added a few of my own ideas too.
1 - Big Fat Quiz of the Year
The Big Fat Quiz of the Year on C4 is always a seasonal highlight for us. It is being shown on C4 on Boxing Day this year but we are going to record it and play along on NYE.
2 - Newcastle Laser Show
3 - Virtual Pig Racing
How about organising a Virtual Race Night? You can play at home with just your household or team up with friends / family and play virtually across a few households. There are a few options online, I like the look of this Virtual Pig Racing which can be downloaded instantly.
4 - Stream a Panto
For many, visiting the panto is a NYE tradition and there are lots of pantos available to watch/stream online. We really enjoyed the Emperor's New Clothes from Northern Stage or you could try The Customs House (this is a DVD which needs to be purchased in advance and collected from the venue) or Whitley Bay Playhouse which is offering free streaming of their past pantos with a new panto available each day.
5 - Mexican Fiesta Party
We are planning a Mexican Fiesta Party. I have bought a few table accessories and decorations, we'll be making tacos, a homemade chilli and cornbread with churros to follow and enjoying with Mexican beer and Margaritas. I am sure we will be able to find a Mexican playlist on YouTube/Spotify.
6 - Make Your Own Pizza Party
This is always a favourite activity for us. There are a few places you can order kits online/collect locally such as The Woodmans Arms (I believe they are resuming on 28th Dec), Box Pizza and Pizza Punks. You could of course make your own dough or you can buy a roll of ready made pizza dough from Morrisons (and probably other supermarkets) for around £1.
7 - Traditional Buffet and Disco
A good option for those who don't want to plan anything major - buy/make some easy party food, make a sausage/pineapple hedgehog and have a kitchen disco.
8 - YouTube Virtual Pub Quiz
Lockdown favourite Jay's Virtual Pub Quiz is back with a NYE special with a 2 part special. It's free to take part and you can play along with friends / compare scores afterwards. Some people take a photo of their answers and share them with friends via whatsapp for marking. Subscribe and set a reminder here.
9 - Fire Pit in the Garden with Sparklers & Toasted Marshmallows/ S'mores
We have a couple of sparklers left over from bonfire night. Sparklers and toasting marshmallows in the garden always feels like a special treat. Check out how to make your own S'mores here.
10 - Go Stargazing with Hot Chocolate
Obviously stay safe and follow local guidelines but if you can, why not wrap up and head to a secluded spot with blankets and a flask of hot chocolate and see the New Year in quietly. If you cannot travel at this time and you have a garden, you could also set up a snuggly camp in your garden with camping chairs, lots of blankets, a hot water bottle etc.....
11 - 70s/80s/90s Party
This is always a popular choice - dig out your old fancy dress, play around with hair styles, select and appropriate playlist and cook a few dishes of the time.
12 - Watch TV in your PJs with Champagne / Cocktails / Mocktails
Glow-up a night in front of the TV with a bottle of Champagne or fun mocktails for the kids.
On BBC1 you have 'The Big New Year's In' with Paddy McGuinness followed by The Graham Norton Show and Alicia Quays Rocks NYE.
On BBC2 it is Mock the Week and then Jools's Annual Hootenanny.
ITV is showing Skyfall and then Big Ben Live
Channel 4 is showing The Last Leg of the Year and Little Fockers.
13 - Order a Takeaway
Many local restaurants will be offering takeaway on NYE, I expect these to be popular so do check if you need to pre-order in advance. No washing up on NYE sounds perfect to me. If you are new to Uber Eats, use this referral code: eats-samanthar3510ue for £10 off your first order (minimum spend of £15 applies).
14 - Have an Early Night
Honestly - you don't need to celebrate New Year. If you want to, have an early night and be done with it. I would probably add a little pampering in and add a bubble bath and face mask to the mix. If you still want to celebrate the countdown with kids, Netflix have this fab option which can be played at any time.
15 - A Fancy Dinner Party
You could of course cook your own fancy meal from scratch but there are also a few options from local high-end restaurants which can give you a helping hand. A good excuse to get dressed up and bring out your finest tableware.
- Fuego offers tapas kits to enjoy at home. We tried this for my birthday and it was diving.
- Dobson & Parnell have put together a cracking 5 course menu including drinks and children's options.
- Six at Baltic are offering a set menu to prepare at home including a Vegan menu.
- 21 at Home have put together a gorgeous looking menu
- Blackfriars is offering a lovely little combo of brunch, cocktail, fizz, three course meal and cheese.
- House of Tides - why not go out and order a Michelin Star cook-at-home kit?
- The Patricia is offering set menus for collection
I am so sorry that these are mostly Newcastle based - let me know if you spot anything similar for other parts of the North East.
16 - Sunset Walk
If you are looking for an early evening activity and your local restrictions allow, why not enjoy a local walk and sunset. The perfect opportunity to reflect on the year. The sun sets at around 3:48pm in Newcastle today.
Hopefully I have given you a few ideas, let me know what you're up to.
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Remember face coverings are required for indoor attractions / shops for those aged 11+ (usual exemptions apply)
Check for local lockdowns / travel restrictions before visiting anywhere.
Always check updated opening hours / protocols with venues direct before setting off as things may have changed after this post was published.
What fantastic ideas. We never go out for new year so will be doing what we normally do. A buffet party tea and playing board games.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and all the best for the new year x