Is there a more festive way to ring in the New Year—any year—in any way than with a smashing party? Of course not! But the cruel fact of life is that 2020 and 2021 have been marred by the COVID-19 pandemic and the damage its repeated waves have thrown our way. In 2022, we have been slowly emerging from the shadow of the pandemic, while still keeping our guard up in case of new variants and waves. Even as we prepare to wrap up 2022 with a great party, we must take the looming threat of the new BF.7 variant into account.
Does this mean your party will be a damp and boring affair? Of course not!
Over the last few years, the focus on sustainable, eco-friendly parties that produce less waste and are all about conscious consumption have helped us all get into the vibe of throwing more responsible yet fun parties. If you do it right, the risk of getting COVID-19 or producing large amounts of eco-waste can both be tackled at the same time. Wondering how? Well, it’s simple enough with these little tips and hacks we have for you.
Choose The Right Venue
Yes, your home might still be the safest place to hold a New Year’s Eve party at. Now don’t get sad about it, because you can certainly throw a great party at home with some brilliant food too. But if you still want to step out for a party, pre-book a venue and confirm the headcount. With shifting COVID-19 restrictions due to the Omicron wave, not booking ahead of time can leave you without any options at the last minute. So, it’s best to choose the right restaurant or hotel or staycation for your group of friends and family at least a day or two ahead.
Make The Guest-List More Intimate
As much as you may like to entire the whole world and their friends to the party, you have to be selective. The honest-to-God fact is, social distancing and wearing masks—both critical methods of preventing COVID-19 transmission—usually go for a toss at social gatherings where you are meant to have fun. We have seen this at plenty of weddings this year, so how will a New Year’s Eve party be any different? By making the guest list shorter and more intimate, of course.
Don’t Travel Long Distances For A Party
Party destinations are a great place to be around New Year’s Eve. But travelling long distances in public transport, whether it’s a flight or a train or a bus, can be a little unsafe at this point in time—especially as new restrictions are being put in place to reduce the risk of Omicron. So, it might be a wise choice to stay within your city or town limits for the party, or to opt for private transport to the destination to make the travel safer.
Up Your Game, Be Creative
If you do end up holding the party at home, don’t naturally assume it will be boring. Jazz it all up by introducing party favourite games, like Cards Against Humanity or Trivial Pursuit. Ask your guests to share photos and memories that made 2022 special despite all the troubles it spelt. If you are the more proactive kind, make resolution charts and fun pledges to make the party more fun. You could also try the more traditional fun things to do, like dancing, singing, karaoke, etc.
Restrain Your Urge To Overindulge
While buffet tables overflowing with delectable dishes and unlimited pizzas being delivered home are certainly enjoyable parts of a party, they can also be very wasteful and unhealthy. The last thing you want is to wake up on January 1, 2023 with a hangover, acidity, and worse, too many leftovers to be able to finish alone, leading to absolute wastage. The same goes for other wastes generated during parties, like single-use plastic cutlery, decorations, party hats and gear, balloons, etc. Instead, go for reusable party hats, cutlery you can wash and reuse, and décor that highlights who you are instead of generic plastic goods that do very little except give momentary joy. Renting out your décor, for example, is a good way to go, and quite sustainable too. At the very least, it’s not money down the drain.
Get Your Guests Involved
Being a fun party host is surely a great experience, but it can be exhausting too. So, it’s always better to ask your guests to be involved in any way they can, especially if your venue is selected and the party invitees are all known to each other. Let your guests help out with setting up the party by coming up with their own ideas of fun too. This can also reduce waste further, especially if you end up doing a potluck, or ask your guests to pool any decorations they might have. If a few have private vehicles, they can also ensure the safety of guests who may not have such access by carpooling during these times when restrictions are being put up again.
Go Green With Party Favours
Party favours are basically memorabilia which we take home with us to remind ourselves of fond memories and good times together. This is just the place to flex your eco-friendly, sustainable muscles and help your friends have a true fresh start in 2023. Be thoughtful with your party favours by giving your friends a plant to care for in the New Year, or a fitness starter pack that helps them care for their health better. Go for edible gifts which are healthy, like honey, whole grains, nuts and seeds, etc. You’ll find that your gift is more appreciated and fit in well with most people’s resolutions too!