New Year's Party Hats - Photo by shondra, SXC
Decorating tips, themes, activity ideas, music, & party ideas for a fun & safe home, high school, or homeschooling New Year's Eve event for teenagers or pre-teens.
Ready to ring in the New Year for 2012? Parents want their teens to have fun on New Year's Eve, while still staying safe. Following are tips and ideas for a super fun and successful event.
Theme Ideas for a 2012 Teen New Year's Event
- New Year's Eve colors can set the tone. Silver and white, black and white, red and black, or bright, fun colors are all theme ideas.
- A theme of "Nostalgia" (which might be as recent as the 1980's or 1990's for teens) or a time in history (Victorian, 1950's, etc) make clever themes.
- Purchased party goods can set the theme and colors.
- For a smaller affair at home, consider a game night, movie night, or slumber party theme.
- For larger events, announce the dress code on invitations (formal vs. casual, in keeping with a theme)
Decorating Ideas
- Brainstorm decor ideas based on the theme.
- Decide between formal or fun decorations. Picking one or the other will pull the party decor together.
- Balloons are a must. Silver, black, white, and jewel tones are more formal. Bright colors like lime green and yellow are more informal.
- New Year's is the time to go over the top with glitz and glitter. If *sparkle* is the theme, go crazy.
- Remember the "Happy New Year" banners.
Activities for a Teenager New Year's Eve Event
- Don't overbook the event with activities. Often, socializing and dancing are plenty.
- If DJ is used, he or she will often create fun with the music. The Casper Slide, the Macarena, and the Limbo are examples.
- The teens will have their own great ideas; Just ask.
- Hire a professional photographer for formal photos or set up a nice background where teens can take pictures.
- Provide plenty of seating and tables for resting and conversation.
- New Year's centerpieces should be full of sparkle. Consider giving them as door prizes.
- Set up snacks and drinks (especially ice water) for hungry and thirsty teenagers.
- Remember noisemakers and confetti for the big moment.
Music and Song Selection Ideas
- A professional DJ will know fun songs teens enjoy. Request what is appropriate for your group, however (i.e. a 'clean-lyrics' eclectic mix, oldies, dance songs, or soft rock).
- A student DJ may be found among the teens or at a local college.
- A group of teens may enjoy getting together and set up music on an MP3 player. Larger halls often have a sound system to hook into.
- For some events, a live band may work. Check rules about live music.
Maintaining Safety at Teen Dances or Parties
- Have plenty of responsible parent chaperones on hand.
- Responsible adults at entrances & exits will keep teens from wandering off.
- Keep a list with parent phone numbers in case of emergency.
- Provide a safe place for purses, coats and valuables.
- Make sure everyone has a safe plan to get home, or make bus or sleepover arrangements.
- If appropriate to your group of teens, consider making the event a family celebration.
For related ideas, read Teen Christmas Party or Dance Tips and Best New Year's Eve Party Themes. Also see Easy 4 Ingredient Holiday Cookies.
A New Year's Eve dance or party is a fun way for teenagers to say goodbye to the old year and celebrate the new one with friends. With planning and special touches, a teen New Year's event will sparkle with excitement.
Copyright Janienne Jennrich. Contact the author to obtain permission for republication.
Janienne Jennrich - Janienne Jennrich, Topic Editor for Kids & Teen Parties and for Hair, is an award-winning freelance writer & webmaster.
