Five Things Every New Years’ Event Needs To Provide

2016 is almost upon us, ladies and gentlemen! The New Year brings with it many things, like new beginnings and a chance to start fresh as 2015 winds down. If you’re in the event planning business, however, it means one thing – a whole ton of clients as everyone kicks off their New Years’ celebrations.

Awesome, right?

Now, as I’ve said in the past, the holiday season is one of the busiest times of year for event planners. Businesses and independent clients alike are looking to throw some awesome Christmas and New Years’ bashes, and they’re going to tap into your expertise in order to do so. Naturally, it’s important that you do everything in your power to give them what they paid for, whether it’s a reception, a party, or just a small get-together.

Part of that involves providing your guests with the necessary amenities. You can make things as unique, wild, and memorable as possible – in fact, you should. At the same time, overlooking even one of the items on this list could bring everything crashing down around you.

Well…maybe that’s a spot of hyperbole. Still, none of the stuff we’re about to bring up is stuff you should forget. Let’s get started, shall we?

Here are just a few amenities every New Years’ bash needs to offer:

Breath Mints

According to lifestyle guru Steve Kemble, one thing a lot of party planners forget to provide its guests with is breath mints. In hindsight, this is actually blindingly obvious – after all, at virtually every New Years’ party I’ve attended, there are at least a few people looking to ring in the New Year with a kiss. A bowl of breath mints in the bathroom could be just what you need to keep that kiss from being catastrophic. 

Liquor Liability Management

Most New Years’ parties involve at least a little bit of drinking. As with any event that offers liquor, that means you’ve a bit of legwork to do in order to manage your liability – and keep your client’s back covered, as well. Make sure there’s a limit set on how much everyone can drink, and ensure that everyone who’s helping to run the event has a list of numbers for the taxi companies in your city handled.

You don’t want to have someone drive home drunk from your party.

Good Food, Great Drinks

A party isn’t a party without some stuff for your guests to eat and drink, no? Be sure to provide a diverse selection of finger foods, along with a reasonably large drink menu. While you’re at it, toss in a few specialty drinks, as well – unique mixes that’ll give your soiree a bit of extra flair. Even consider doing a special drink just for the party that has to do with the company who is throwing the event. 

Unless you’re specifically setting out to host a banquet or dinner party, avoid full meals. Guests should be able to quickly and easily eat their food.

A Few Awesome Party Games

Don’t expect your guests to just mingle and hang out. Give them stuff to do. If you’re willing to include gambling at your event, a few slot machines or card tables could be perfect; games like Monopoly and Cards Against Humanity could also be big hits, as well.  Honestly, you can let your imagination run wild here – the important thing is that people are kept entertained.

A TV And Sound System

Last, but certainly not least…music. No party is complete without a few catchy songs playing in the background, so you need to make sure whatever venue you’re choosing to host at is set up with a sound system. While you’re at it, get a TV with cable up and running, too – all the better for everyone to ring in the New Year with.

Party Time

So, there you have it – a few things no New Years’ event should be without. This list is by no means comprehensive, mind you. These are just a few of the most important things that should be present at any New Years’ party worth its salt, whether it’s being hosted by an event planner or just someone throwing a bash for their friends.