If you’re like most people, you probably think of New Year’s Eve as an excuse to throw on a wild party outfit and hit the town with your closest friends and family. While that can be one way to celebrate, there are plenty of other ways to ring in the new year by ensuring you have the best time possible. Champagne, fancy hats, and expensive parties aren’t necessary to make New Year’s Eve a blast. Here are 5 NYE must-haves that will help you make sure you have the best time possible this year!

Champagne

Simply put, there’s no better way to toast in 2021 than with a glass of bubbly. When it comes to champagne, don’t go overboard with your budget. Instead, opt for quality over quantity and skip any bottles that you wouldn’t otherwise be able to finish during one evening. But don’t let price get in your way — champagne can range in price dramatically depending on variety and whether or not it has been aged. If you want some tips on picking out a bottle, research guides on how to choose a bottle of champagne for New Year’s Eve. If you don’t drink, a nice bottle of sparkling cider or non-alcoholic champagne are great options to toast to the new year.

Fun party outfit accessories

Whether you’re celebrating with a group of friends or going solo, planning a fun outfit is key to ensuring your New Year’s Eve celebration is a hit. Here are 5 must-haves for New Year’s Eve:

• Blinged out jewelry. NYE is the time for shiny and bright outfits such as metallics and sequins such as the Celia dress from Katie Waltman, so be sure to wear your jewelry to complement that shiny dress or outfit. 
• Lipstick that won’t transfer. Find lipstick in either matte or a gloss that won’t transfer from your lips to your glass, cup, and kiss at midnight!
• Cute clutch. A clutch that comes with cute rhinestones or in colors gold or silver makes a great NYE statement. 
• Sparkly heels. If you’re opting out for that little black dress, make a statement with a pair of sparkly heels so that it goes perfectly with your shiny clutch. Be sure to bring some flats in case you can no longer stand being in heels.
• Outfit Bail Out Plan (AKA Change of Clothes): Depending on where you’re celebrating, a  change of outfit may save you some worry in case things get messy. You can have a backup outfit in case you spill a drink or champagne.

Date Night Outfit

If you and your significant other are planning on bringing in the new year a little bit more intimately by a getaway or spending it alone together at home, you can still take the opportunity to bring in the new year together by wearing something festive. If you’re at home, a sequin cardigan or robe will make you feel a little different from just any day at home. If you’re stepping out for a New Years’ dinner, a metallic or sequin top or blazer will add the oomph you need for New Year without going overboard as if you were going to a party.

Water flutes and finger foods

If you’re hosting a party and serving a variety of drinks, it can be easy to get caught up in trying to provide all of your guests with their favorite type of alcohol. Instead, serve water flutes at your New Year’s Eve party so that all attendees can have water available to drink, as well as wine or champagne if they wish. Water flutes are disposable plastic cups with little spouts for drinking—they look elegant on any table and make it simple for everyone in attendance to access clean drinking water. They also keep everyone from having to use an impromptu cup or glass in which to pour their wine! The idea is to try and avoid potential spills while your guest are enjoying themselves.

Finger foods are a must at any party. Charcuterie boards and other types of foods such as mini sliders, chicken wings, shrimp cocktails, and fruit trays are great to be picked at throughout the night by guests.

The best way to celebrate New Year’s Eve is to get all dressed up, grab your friends, and head out for a night of celebration. However, hosting a New Years Eve party can be just as fun and as long as you plan ahead so that you get to enjoy instead of being stressed. Either way, make sure to plan ahead so that you bring in the New Year just the way you want.