2020 has been something none of us expected. But on the bright side, it can only go up from here right?! Although there is now some light at the end of the tunnel with the COVID vaccine distribution, we are unfortunately still in a pandemic. This means that as soon as the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve night, we can’t just throw away all of our masks and leave COVID in 2020 (as nice as that would be). However, although it will be a different kind of celebration, it can still be super fun! Whether you are going to spend this NYE at home with your family or by yourself, or if you are going to spend it with your pod, I have some great ideas to make this NYE one to remember!

1. Decorate and be festive, regardless of your plans.

Whether decorating for you means setting a beautiful dinner table and decorating your home or just wearing fun glasses, decor always make the holidays better. Check out all of my favorite festive decorations and accessories below:

2. Dress for the occasion.

Who said comfy can’t be cute? If you are staying cozy at home, here are some super cute (and sparkly) pieces to wear to ring in 2021:

If you are going to spend this New Year’s Eve with your pod, here are some cute and more formal pieces to wear on NYE:

3. … And do your makeup (and nails)!

Personally, this is my favorite part of getting ready for this festive night, and I will definitely not be cutting my makeup routine short this year although I will just be with my small pod. Shop my favorite sparkly makeup down below:

Nail salons aren’t open in most places, but that doesn’t mean our nails can’t still look great for 2021! Shop my favorite sparkly nail polish here:

3. Make a charcuterie board. 

This brings the party vibes to you whether or not you are actually spending NYE with people this year. My favorite things to include on a charcuterie board include brie cheese, all of my favorite crackers, mini pickles, salami, prosciutto, nuts, and grapes.

4. Create a DIY photo booth. 

Photo booths are super fun and actually very easy to set up. All you have to do to create an amazing photo booth is set up a background using gold fringe (linked below) and set up a ring light to prop up your phone and ensure your photos turn out bomb. The ring light linked below has great height and two spots to prop your phone, so it is perfect for a DIY photo booth! Shop my photo booth essentials below:

5. Bake something.

Baking is a great activity to do whether you are alone or with family and/or friends. You could bake a cake, cupcakes, cookies… the possibilities are endless! You could also bake this peppermint bark recipe that I am obsessed with or these delicious healthy cookies.

6. Journal about the year just past and goals for 2021.

Bulleting some goals for the new year and journaling about the year that has just passed is a really peaceful and reflective thing to do just before the new year hits. This is especially great if you are spending the holiday alone. Maybe one of your goals is to journal more!

7. Movie night

Having a movie night or movie marathon is a cozy yet fun way to spend the night. Using Teleparty (formerly Netflix Party) is a great way to connect with friends while watching a movie, and it mimics a movie night with friends! I will probably watch a feel-good movie myself like a chick flick to ring in the new year in a good mood.

8. Play games

Here is my list of party games that are ACTUALLY fun because, let’s be honest, party games are sometimes pretty boring.

• Monopoly
• Cards Against Humanity
• What Do You Meme?
• Clue
• Scrabble
• Do You Know Me? Fun fact: This game was created by our family friend, Brooke Mahan. It is SO fun and a must buy!
• Chess
• Uno

9. Facetime or Zoom friends for dinner

Calling friends for dinner mimics actually having dinner with friends. Of course it’s a bit different, but at least it gives room for some social interaction. If you have an AppleTV, using AirPlay is a great tool to putting the call on a big TV!

10. Make an elaborate dinner or meal

Even if you will be the only one eating it, making a beautiful dinner is a fun thing to do and is rewarding because of the amazing food! If you will be with your family this NYE, it is always fun to cook with them.