With restrictions on social gatherings in place across Canada, New Year’s 2021 is going to look a lot different from previous celebrations. Even though you won’t be counting down to midnight at a nightclub or a crowded party this year, that doesn’t mean you can’t have fun. After all, 2020 was very challenging and the turn of the calendar is definitely something to commemorate.
Here are six fun ways to celebrate New Year’s 2021, safely and responsibly, at home.
[Photo Credit: opolja]
Just because you can’t leave the house doesn’t mean you have to stay in your sweats and sulk on December 31. Lift your spirits by getting dolled up and throwing a festive bash with your household. Dress up in a fancy outfit, decorate with balloons, lay out some wine and cheese, and put on a playlist of upbeat tracks that make you want to dance. As the clock strikes midnight, open a bottle of bubbly and toast the end of 2020.
Now is the perfect time to reflect on lessons learned and make plans for the year ahead. If you prefer a low-key New Year’s activity, purchase a fresh notebook and jot down your thoughts on some meditative questions. What did you learn about yourself in 2020? What are you most grateful for? What resolutions are you planning to make for 2021?
Let’s face it, the best part of a big party is the food. With that in mind, prepare a tasty spread of New Year’s appetizers to enjoy with your family throughout the evening. Skip the boring chips and dip and elevate your appetizer game with sophisticated starters like steak tartare, stuffed mushrooms, classic oysters Rockefeller, and a selection of bite-sized canapés. Enjoy your New Year’s appetizers with complementary cocktail pairings for a classy at-home soirée.
With thematic costumes, funny accents, and plenty of intrigue, murder mystery parties are a creative and interactive activity to enjoy with friends. You’ll find a wide variety of game kits online that can be easily adapted to be played virtually. Email character assignments and plot points to invitees a few days beforehand then come together on New Year’s Eve over a video platform for an engaging game night of storytelling and sleuthing.
Recreate your favourite restaurant experience at home on December 31 by preparing a gourmet meal. Get outside your comfort zone and look for New Year’s Eve dinner ideas online or try a new cookbook recipe. Special occasions call for out-of-the-ordinary dishes, so impress your family with a perfectly cooked Porterhouse steak, a Spanish-inspired seafood paella, or pan-fried venison. If you’re looking for casual and kid-friendly New Year’s Eve dinner ideas, try make-your-own pizza or throw a fiesta with tacos and fajitas.
Since you won’t be partying out on the town until the wee hours of the morning this year, start January off on a high note by planning some special New Year’s Day activities to enjoy with your household.
