Not a party dress or confetti popper in sight.
Whether you despise dressing up or are avoiding crowds, you might be considering a quiet New Year’s celebration this year. Staying in on the holiday is highly underrated (and sequins are overrated, if you ask us). Closing out the year in a low-key way can be just as satisfying as blowing paper horns in strangers’ faces (if not more so), especially if you plan accordingly. This year, countdown from the comfort of your couch, drink in hand and fuzzy slippers on.
Whether you plan to watch the ball drop solo or invite friends and family over for a small celebration, we found key items that will turn your New Year’s celebration into a relaxing and rewarding experience.
From snuggly blankets to luxurious robes that are better than a party dress, these items will guarantee your night is cozy, while still feeling festive. It’s minimum effort, maximum pleasure, and you don’t even have to put shoes on.
(And if you’re attending someone else’s party, avoid showing up empty-handed with our gift guide for hosts.)
13 Ways to Upgrade Your At-Home New Year’s Eve Celebration
amscan New Year’s Eve Party Decorations
Amazon
‘Tis the season for obtusely festive headgear. Complete with top hats, headbands, and noisemakers, this set will have you and your guests feeling like the life of a Times Square party, without the crowds (thank goodness).
Seven Sisters Scones
Seven Sisters Scones
New year, same sweet tooth. Indulge a little with an unexpected treat like a bundle of mini scones. This addition to your buffet table thinks outside the typical dessert program, with Seven Sisters’ delicious mini scones that are baked fresh in Johns Creek, GA every day.
AVEC Sampler Set
AVEC
You don’t have to be an experienced bartender or mixologist to create a festive drink. AVEC specializes in mixers that pair beautifully with your favorite liquors, with flavors like Yuzu & lime and jalapeño & blood orange that will take your cocktails to the next level.
Avaline The Intro Set Wines
Avaline
Keep the vino flowing without having to make a single trip to the store. Avaline delivers a bundle kit of six different wines so your guests can have a variety of options to choose from, whether they’re into chardonnay or want to toast to the new year with some bubbly.
Hot Chocolate on a Stick
Uncommon Goods
If you’d prefer to sip on a mug of hot chocolate over champagne, skip the typical grocery store powder and splurge on melting chocolate instead. It is a special occasion, after all. Elevate your snacks table with a hot cocoa bar, where your guests can choose from four scrumptious flavors: french truffle, salted caramel, peppermint, and peanut butter cup. Don’t forget the marshmallows!
Eastern Standard Provisions “All You Knead Is Love” Box
Eastern Standard Provisions
Save yourself the effort of baking your own bread and snacks this year. This box comes with an assortment of soft pretzels and flavored salts, perfect for dipping and dunking in your favorite sauces and dips. The best part? They come in a pretty box that you can serve them from, so no dirty dishes at the end of the night.
Lunya Silk Fringe Robe
Lunya
You can ditch your stained sweats without sacrificing comfort. This silk robe lined in party-worthy fringe will feel just as luxurious as a cocktail dress, but it’s way more comfortable (and doesn’t have to be dry cleaned at the end of the night). Pair it with some cozy slippers and you have a chic night-in outfit.
Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Rib Trim Throw
Nordstrom
There is no such thing as a relaxing evening without a snuggly throw blanket, and that’s a fact. This cult favorite from Barefoot Dreams is made from super soft microfiber that you’ll want to stay wrapped in forever. When it’s not in use, you can toss it over the back of your couch for that lived-in look.
Marble Cheese Board with Acacia Accent
Amazon
Guests or not, no celebration is complete without a charcuterie board. Dress up your meat, cheese, and cracker selection by placing it on this board, which will also be easier to carry than four cheese wedges and two sleeves of crackers.
Skims Ribbed Pajamas
Nordstrom
Looking for an outfit that strikes a balance between put-together and loungewear? Opt for a matching pajama set. The modal material of this Skims duo is silk-like without feeling too fancy to sleep in. But, if you wear the pieces separately out of the house, no one would notice you’re in PJs, we promise.
Milk Bar Cookie Tin
If your New Year’s resolution is to indulge, we found the perfect way to start. This tin comes with one dozen cookies from the famous Milk Bar, known for their creative and colorful confections, like cookies, cakes, and truffles.
Godinger Champagne Coupe Glasses
Even if you’re just drinking some sparkling cider or ginger ale, there’s something extra fancy about using a champagne coupé glass. If you don’t have a set of your own yet, these four crystal glasses will add some sparkle to your bar cart or cabinet.
UGG Scuffette II Slipper
Say goodbye to stilettos this year. No need to spend the night wishing you could rip your shoes off when there are soft and cushy slippers to be worn instead. These fluffy slides do have a rubber sole if you need to run out the front door to quickly pick up your take-out order or let your guests in.