5 Stylish New Year’s Eve Party Schemes

By Marni Elyse Katz
December 27, 2011

New Years Eve Party Schemes

(photo: Gigi de Manio for Rafanelli Events)

Restaurants, bars, event planners, and friends are busy concocting catchy, even schtick-y, themes that scream "Best New Year’s Eve Ever!" to attract your attention. We’ve heard about an “anti-resolution” party, a gala called “Havana Nights,” and more than a few "Mad Men" gatherings.

They sound like a lot of work on the part of the partygoer. Is it New Year’s Eve or Halloween? While we’re in favor of Martha wannabes orchestrating every detail if that’s their desire, we think that as far as guests go, the job should include no pressure beyond basic party primping.

So for hosts with the desire to keep this admonishment in mind, we asked five party professionals to present us with a New Year’s Eve looks that are simply that—an aesthetic, or environment, in which everyone can enjoy the night. No costumes required.

1. Time to Get Glam

Amber Karsen Events

Designed by Amber Karson Events. (photos: Sweet Tea Photography)

Washington, DC-based event planner Amber Karson incorporated clocks into her glamorous golden design. And it’s a money saver. She says, “A large clock in the center of the table was a great alternative to a floral centerpiece.” The team, aiming for a more formal affair, layered metallic textures that Karsen describes as “festive, elegant and worthy of one of the biggest entertaining nights of the year.”

Boston-based event planner Brayn Rafanelli tells us to take the idea one step further: “Use inexpensive clocks in all shapes and sizes for tray and table décor. Set them to different times around the world and celebrate each time the clock strikes midnight. Or set them all to chime at midnight!”

Get the look on eBay:

Roll over items for details

Set of 8 Round Jewel Rim Charger Plates

(buy it now price, $49.99)

Department 56 Clock Plate

(buy it now price, $115)

Vintage Tiffany & Co. Portfolio Brass Round Desk Clock

(buy it now price, $185)

2. Pretty in Punk Party

Jesi Haack Design

Designed by Jesi Haack Design (photos: Katie McGihon)

San Diego area stylist/design specialist Jesi Haack shared her distinctly “girls only” scheme with us. It's perfect for a girls-night-out New Year’s Eve event. The inspiration was punk rock glam, a sort of "1970s punk rock meets Betsey Johnson,” says Haack. The goal was to create something gritty but to keep it feminine and glam at the same time.

Get the look on eBay:

Royal Winton Hand Painted Floral Pink and Black Cake Plate

(buy it now price, $28)

Moroccan Hand Made Tea Glasses with Candle

(buy it now price, $9.99)

NARS Semi Matte Barbie Hot Pink Lipstick

(buy it now price, $34.89)

3. A Snowy Celebration

One Stone Events

Designed by One Stone Events (photos: Darci Woodiwiss)

We’re still fans of the lumberjack look. While devoid of antlers, though you could certainly add them in, this party theme is at once rugged and romantic, thus perfect for a New Year’s Eve night. Designed by Elissa Stone of Tampa Bay, Florida-based One Stone Events, this is “a rustic winter party, inspired by a snowy mountain lodge.”

Get the look on eBay:

New Ikea Sheep Skin Rug in Gray

(starting bid, $59.99)

Willow Branch Twigs with 96 White Lights

(buy it now price, $36.99)

Jewelry Tree

(buy it now price $65)

4. Retro Bash

Anders Ruff

Design by Anders Ruff (photos: Becca Bond)

Maureen Anders of Anders Ruff Custom Designs, a company near Charlotte, North Carolina that designs printable paper products, created this New Year’s Eve party scheme to coordinate with her Glam Hollywood pattern, which has an all-encompassing, retro ‘50s sort of feel. Anders, who has been a crafty paper fanatic since childhood, says, “We wanted a design that would appeal to all ages and keep a chic and vintage vibe while adding a pop of color. We used a popular Pantone color from last year along with pops of aqua with the traditional black and white.”

Get the look on eBay:

Black Five Light Glass Taper Candelabra

(buy it now price, $103.79)

New Hand Blown Glass Black and White Swizzle Stick Set

(buy it now price, $19.99)

Set of 4 Stainless Steel Martini Glasses

(buy it now price, $32.95)

5. Black & White Ball

Kiss Me Kate Events

Design by Yolanda Cerra of Kiss Me Kate Events (photo: Rena Harvey/Studio 76)

Anna and Blue Paperie

Anna Marie drinks

Anna and Blue Paperie

You can’t go wrong with classic black and white. The wintery black-and-white dessert table that Yolanda Cerra of Kiss Me Kate Events in Melbourne, Australia designed for the holiday party of a high-end hair salon caught our eye. Cerra tells us, “Inspiration came from their brand logo and color scheme (black and white). We incorporated silver to add a touch of glamorous festivity.” The modern printables are from Anders Ruff.

Stefanie Richter of Anna and Blue Paperie, also created a holiday tableau to complement her New Year’s Eve printables collection.