9 Tips for Throwing a Great, Cheap New Year’s Eve Party

Advertising Disclosure: When you buy something by clicking links on our site, we may earn a small commission, but it never affects the products or services we recommend.

A rockin’ New Year’s Eve party doesn’t have to be expensive. With a little planning and creativity, you can throw a cheap, awesome end-of-the-year bash that your friends will remember for years.

Here are nine tips for welcoming in 2019 with frugal flair.

Tip 1: Host it at home

g-stockstudio / Shutterstock.com
g-stockstudio / Shutterstock.com

No need to go out and rent a space for your party. Hosting the gathering at your house or apartment is not only cheap, but also more comfortable for everyone.

Tip 2: Keep it cozy

Uber Images / Shutterstock.com
Uber Images / Shutterstock.com

If you’re hosting the party at home, you probably can’t invite all your Facebook friends. But that’s OK.

Limit the invite list to a handful of close pals. Having a smaller party means spending less money. More importantly, it gives you the opportunity to actually enjoy the party and connect with all the guests.

Tip 3: Ask everyone to bring their favorite drink

Daria Minaeva / Shutterstock.com
Daria Minaeva / Shutterstock.com

Alcohol is one of the biggest expenses for a New Year’s Eve party. You can reduce the cost by asking everyone to bring a favorite cocktail to share. This strategy can also liven up the party by giving guests a variety of new drinks to try.

Also, know in advance how everyone plans to get back home safely. Is public transportation available? Is someone a designated driver? Or can guests crash at your place for the night? Don’t wait until 1 a.m. to decide how to handle an obviously impaired guest.

Tip 4: Accept your guests’ offers to help

Air Images / Shutterstock.com
Air Images / Shutterstock.com

Even after you suggest that guests bring a cocktail to share, some undoubtedly will ask if there is anything else they can bring. Your answer to this question should be simple: “Yes!”

Have a list of items ready and mention a few suggestions with various price points, such as noisemakers from the dollar store or an appetizer. Then, let the guests decide which to bring.

Tip 5: Weigh the pros and cons of paper versus plastic

izzzy71 / Shutterstock.com
izzzy71 / Shutterstock.com

Paper plates and cups make cleanup a snap, but they cost more than using the dishes in your cupboard. Look at your budget and decide which option makes the most sense for your party.

If you don’t have enough matching dinnerware, don’t let that worry you. Mix-and-match plates, bowls and glasses can look trendy and festive.

Tip 6: Extend the life of holiday decorations

Shebeko / Shutterstock.com
Shebeko / Shutterstock.com

Your house is likely decorated for the December holidays, and those festive lights and decor can make an attractive backdrop for a New Year’s Eve party too. Even if the tree comes down early, consider keeping some lights or other decorations up through the first day of the year.

Tip 7: Don’t forget the dollar store

Nomad_Soul / Shutterstock.com
Nomad_Soul / Shutterstock.com

If you go shopping, don’t forget that the dollar store is your best friend. You can get paper plates and cups for cheap. Plus, your local store likely has all the decorations, noisemakers and party favors you need.

Tip 8: Don’t make a big meal

Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com
Africa Studio / Shutterstock.com

Since New Year’s Eve parties tend to start later, skip the big meal. Your guests probably will eat dinner before arriving at your place.

Instead of a big spread, make some easy appetizers, such as meatballs in the slow cooker and a few simple desserts. A cheese-and-cracker tray can also be an inexpensive way to feed guests if you buy chunk cheese and slice it yourself. And pizza is always popular.

Tip 9: Have a plan for when the clock strikes midnight

By fizkes / Shutterstock.com

Finally, the highlight of the night is when the clock strikes midnight. Figure out in advance how you want to mark the moment. Will you turn on the TV and watch the Times Square ball drop? Will you lead your own countdown? Make sure you have the traditional song “Auld Lang Syne” ready to play as you ring in the new year.

What are your plans for New Year’s Eve? Share with us in comments below or on our Facebook page.

Get smarter with your money!

Want the best money-news and tips to help you make more and spend less? Then sign up for the free Money Talks Newsletter to receive daily updates of personal finance news and advice, delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for our free newsletter today.