8 Things You Shouldn't Do At a New Year's Party, and 2 Must-Dos
If you’re a lucky mom and you’ve got a babysitter for New Year’s, then you should be celebrating big time. Here’s to the late nights you chose, instead of being forced into because you’re nursing, or kids aren’t sleeping through the night. Our anniversary is right around New Year’s, and we love to have fun (although it’s getting harder and harder to stay up late without feeling 100 years old). Here are some tips for you as you head out to party--eight things you shouldn’t ever do at a New Year’s party, as well as a couple bonus tips for things you definitely should remember. Check them out below!
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.
1. Drink or Eat What Wasn’t Offered
Whether the invitation specified that you should bring your own booze or not, make sure that you only drink what is offered. Your host may be saving a specific type of alcohol or snack for another occasion, or have really expensive beer, wine, cider, or liquor that they specifically didn’t offer to the masses. If you want something special to drink, bring it yourself and offer to share. Otherwise, be prepared to eat and drink whatever is available, even if it's out of red Solo cups, not whatever you can dig out of the back of the fridge.
2. Toast Lamely
Make sure you know a great toast if you’re going to give one. There’s nothing more embarrassing than silence and all eyes on you with nothing but lame platitudes to give. Need some ideas? Try these:
“Here’s to fire. Not the kind that brings down shacks and shanties, but the fire of desire that brings down pants and panties.”
“Arriba! Abajo! Al centro! Y pa’dentro!” Translates to “up, down, to the middle/for the health of all, and to the inside” and indicates where you should hold your shot of tequila when you’re saying the words. You can also end with “Salud,” which means “to your health.”
May we be who our dogs think we are.
Eat, drink, and be merry, for tomorrow we diet.
3. Overstay Your Welcome
Are your friends people who typically stay up really late? If not, don’t plan to stay much past midnight. If there was an end time specified on the invitation (even if it was a Facebook invite), stick to it. They probably still have to clean up after all the guests and they’re just as tired as you are.
4. Kiss Someone At Midnight...If You Didn’t Bring Them With You
It’s lovely to kiss your sweetheart at midnight, or a new love. But if you’re just standing around awkwardly watching everyone else kiss at midnight, then don’t grab a random person and kiss them just so you have a chance. There’s no mistletoe at New Years, and unless you’re very sure they reciprocate, don’t chance it. Bring your own date or go kiss-less.
5. Forget Deodorant
We get it, in the winter it’s pretty cold and you don’t sweat as often. But parties with lots of people can heat up--literally. It gets hot when masses of people crowd together, so make sure to bring a sweater in case you slip outside where it’s cold, and wear plenty of deodorant in case you do sweat. You don’t want to be the guest everyone avoids because of the stench.
6. Leave Your Drink Alone
Even if you think you know and trust everyone, it’s still good safety guidelines to keep your drink with you and covered. If you walk off and leave your drink, don’t come back to it. Get a new one.
7. Dress Inappropriately
Part of this includes wearing something too slutty or too casual. New Years is a chance to get a little more sparkle out. Yet you should also make sure you don’t care too much about what you’re wearing because you never know what will happen at a party. Make sure that if your dress gets ruined you won’t be too sad.
8. Leave Without Saying Thank You
Midwestern goodbyes can be long and drawn out, leaving awkward pauses and a super late night. But don’t go to the extreme and leave without saying goodbye at all, either. Make sure you find the host before you leave and thank them for their hospitality. If you didn’t have a good time, you can still say, “Thank you for hosting,” or “It was a great party.” Neither of those things is untrue, despite your gloomy experience. Be polite, and then get out of there as fast as you can, if you’re relieved that it’s over. But hopefully you had fun!!
Two Things You Should Always Do at a New Year’s Party
1. Bring A Hostess Gift
While this isn’t necessary (indeed if every guest brought a bottle of wine or other gift, the hostess may be overwhelmed), it’s a nice gesture. Bringing a thoughtful gift, whether a cheese board and fancy cheeses or a tasteful bottle of wine (read: not Three-Buck Chuck from the clearance rack) is always appreciated.
2. Get A DD
If you think you’ll overindulge, make sure to plan ahead of time for who will drive you home. You can ask someone to be on standby to come and get you, or attend the party with a friend who decides to abstain.
If you fail to plan ahead, you still shouldn’t drive home. Call an Uber or Lyft (there should be plenty available on New Years). It’s much better to pay for a cab than cause an accident you’ll regret forever.
Ring In the New Year
However you choose to celebrate, we at A Wild Lass hope you find lasting peace and joy this holiday season and into the new decade.
Check out this helpful goal setting post from last year to help you plan for a fantastic 2020.
*Disclaimer: Some of the links you see may be affiliate links. All that means is if you click through and end up making a purchase, I’ll earn a commission.