We still can’t believe it is time for New Years once again. Of course we at Photo Booth of the Stars have thrown together some tips that will have you ready to welcome in 2014 in no time!
New Years Eve parties should be all about “Auld Lang Syne.” Not sure what that even means? No problem, here is a little background information for you from abcnews.go.com written by Christina Ng who breaks it down for you.
The confusion over the song is arguably almost as much of a tradition as the song itself. As revelers stumble and mumble through the verses–singing the “auld lang syne” part much louder than the rest of the song because it’s really the only part people know–someone always asks what the words mean.
The title of the Scottish tune translates to “times gone by” and is about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten.
Despite its strong association with New Year’s Eve, “Auld Lang Syne,” written by Robert Burns in the 1700s, was never intended to be a holiday song. Guy Lombardo is credited with popularizing the song when his band used it as a segue between two radio programs during a live performance at the Roosevelt Hotel in New York in 1929. By coincidence, they played “Auld Lang Syne” just after the clock hit midnight, and a New Year’s tradition was born.
The song, and the confusion that comes with it, has been immortalized in countless movies and TV shows.
So, there you have it. The focus of your party should be about remembering friends from the past and not letting them be forgotten. So don’t focus so much on this being a grandiose event, your only requirements should be friends, food, and champagne to pop at midnight! Here are some tips for planning your New Years Eve Party!
Tip #1
Make a guest list.
The most important element of your party is the people that come to your event and that they mean the most to you. As long as you have that you have a recipe for success in play.
Tip #2
Stick to a budget.
Just because it is cheap doesn’t mean it can’t be beautiful. You can find tons of deals on Christmas merchandise right now. Use your imagination, just because it is Christmas, doesn’t mean you can’t use it for New Years. There is so much glittery and sparkly décor, garland, ornaments, etc., for Christmas that you can totally incorporate for your party. Fresh flowers can be found at grocery stores and markets that cast hints of black, silver and gold and they look very festive for New Years. Also if you are still enjoying your Xmas tree, take down the holiday themed ornaments and you can then transform it by adding more silver and gold and create a New Year’s Eve tree!
Tip #3
Keep food simple.
Have pre-made only so you are not spending all of your time in the kitchen and you actually get to enjoy the party, or have it catered.
Tip #4
Create stations.
Have separate areas set up for the bar, a photo booth rental, a dessert table, a game area, etc. This will allow the party to keep flowing and allow for good conversation.
Tip #5
Create a playlist.
Have your ipod stocked and ready to rock with music that will play all night! Tailor music to fit the crowd by including their favorite bands and songs. Not sure what your crowd listens to? When you send out your e-vite be sure to have guests include 2 or more of their favorite songs, or bands so that you can have them in your playlist.
Tip #6
Have things to do for guests.
Be considerate of your guests since some of them may not have the day off of work and this can become a long night for them. Include games that will help everyone to interact. Your photo booth is a sure fire way to get people talking and having fun, but also incorporate some other games so your guests won’t be left staring at their watches and counting the minutes until the ball drops. If you need some inspiration for a DIY photo booth back drop check out our last post HERE. It’s important to make guests feel comfortable.
Tip #7
Don’t focus on alcohol.
It is important that your guests are being responsible so for all of the designated drivers and others who aren’t drinking come up with some fun concoctions that they can indulge in. You could have a milkshake station, Italian sodas, or just a virgin punch of some sort so they have something special to toast in the New Year.
The bottom line is to enjoy being with your friends and don’t sweat the small stuff when it comes to New Years parties. For the free printable and more information on all of the lovely pictures from this post you can go HERE.
From all of us here at Photo Booth of the Stars we want to wish you a Happy New Year and look forward to another great year of making great memories for you and yours! Call our Chicago area Photo Booth of the Stars office today at 815-975-8762 and reserve your date!