Ready to party…
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With New Year on the horizon, it’s about time I thought about all the party prep we need to do! Jordan and I haven’t spent New Year in Glasgow in a few years – last year we were in New Zealand, and the year before we celebrated in New York. A chilled one at home this year is just what we need.
So to ring in 2018, we decided to host the festivities! We’re having a small get-together at our place for our nearest and dearest – a fun night of cocktails, canapés and party playlists.
I reckon we’ll start later, around 9pm, after everyone has had dinner and had time to get ready. That way we can just pass around some small bites throughout the night to keep everyone perky!
I love party food; cheeseboards, dips, nibbles in miniature size – it’s an absolute must for a good festive celebration, if you ask me.
On the cocktail menu…
My cocktail of the season is somethin’ with a little spice.
Pour 25ml Tanqueray gin over ice in a short glass, and then top with a good quality gingerbeer – add a cherry for colour, and a bit of rosemary for garnish and you’re good to go! No shaking needed.
Let’s talk drinks…
As much as I love my cocktails, I’m also all about positive drinking. I much prefer quality ingredients over quantity, and I’ll be making sure my guests are in the same boat – I think choosing a drink you really enjoy and sipping it throughout the evening is the best way to have a safe and fun evening.
I plan on keeping it simple with my Gingerbeer Fizz recipe above, or opting for chilled champagne topped up with elderflower cordial for a festive twist. So delicious, and minimal effort too! That’s what I’m all about.
An alcohol-free option of elderflower pressé and fresh mint over ice is also a great option for those who like a little refresher throughout the night too. Last time we had a big party, we cleared the living room to make room for a dance floor, so no doubt this will be on the cards again!
…and for the decorations!
I don’t have much planned for decorations, although I bought some cute gold star toothpicks and table confetti (sounds messy but also very pretty, I’ll worry about the clean up job another day). I feel like the Christmas tree, fairy lights and a few candles will bring it all together nicely, without the need for much else.
I am going to hang a balloon banner somewhere though, probably either ‘2018’ or ‘Happy New Year’ – it’s too good of a photoshoot opportunity to pass up, and for once I’ll have all my besties in one room!
I may even get my polaroid camera out for the evening…
It’s set to be a fun evening with some of our favourite people! A chilled night in with friends and a couple of drinks (and lots of nibbles) is my perfect way of ringing in the new year.
If you have party plans this December, make sure to visit www.DRINKiQ.com for advice on staying safe while drinking and drinking positively and responsibly over the festive season.
Do you have plans for New Year’s Eve?
This post was made in partnership with Diageo as part of the ‘Drink Positive This New Year’s Eve’ campaign.
