by Sophia Tesch

Created on: December 18, 2011

Once children come along the idea of New Year’s Eve being all about champagne, dancing and midnight kisses changes, nevertheless it can still be fun. It is easy to put together an age appropriate evening that will delight little ones and be a fantastic memory for guests of all ages.

Decorations

For an activity, make New Year’s hats. Create a cone shape with construction paper and fasten the loose ends. Then decorate with glitter glue, stickers, stick-on plastic gems or any of the other dazzling delightfulness that you can find in the art supply section of your local store. Punching holes across from one another near the bottom of the cone, stringing yarn through it and tying it under the hat wearer’s chin can keep the hat from slipping off during the ruckus that may ensue later that evening.

Fun confetti that anyone can make with a hole-punch and construction paper, a 3-hole punch makes the work go faster.  Confetti is fun to throw at midnight. Sparklers and noisemakers can also be fun. DIY noisemakers made by taking empty plastic water bottles, filling them halfway with rice and screwing the top on for a fun rattle effect. Alternatively, taking some rice and placing it between two decorated paper plates, and then securing the sides with staples or glue also works well, remember to allow plenty of time for the glue to dry before the party gets started.

Refreshments

Like any good party, refreshments are important for the party’s success. Access to a chocolate fountain can be a fun treat for children at a New Year’s Eve party. Ringing in the New Year with some cut up fresh fruit, marshmallows, and pound cake cut into 1”x1” cubes can be a delectable treat for all. Add some fun sticks to poke the goodies and dip them in the fountain of chocolaty goodness and watch the smiles and giggles commence. 

If a chocolate fountain is not available or a less sugar filled evening is desired. Try a baby theme for baby new year, baby corn, baby carrots, and other such tiny treats can be fun. You can also pair that with something that is aged bringing Old Father Time into the culinary mix. How about some yummy aged cheese or salami that needs to age for flavor, it is an entertaining discussion to have about the food and the topic of time.  To keep it simple order a pizza, just about everyone enjoys pizza.

There are many kid-friendly substitutes for champagne. Getting fancy cups is a fun touch. The traditional drink for

• 1
• 2
• Next Page >>