18 Festive Quarantine New Year's Eve Ideas to Ring in 2021
Bring on the best party activities, glittery decorations, and bubbly champagnes.
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New Year's Eve 2021 will look a lot different than last year's celebration. Instead of heading out for a night on the town, many of us will be settling in for an evening on the couch. And in lieu of ringing in 2021 with dozens of friends, our guest lists will be limited to the people who live in our households. But just because your 2021 holiday is different doesn't mean it can't be just as festive, celebratory, and meaningful as years past. With the right amount of planning, you can throw an incredible New Year's Eve bash right at home.
This year, holidays are even more important than ever. The past few months have been challenging for many of us, and New Year's Eve is the perfect day to reflect and reset. Seriously, what better time is there to look back on all you've accomplished and overcome than the last day of the year? Before the clock strikes 12, grab a favorite bottle of bubbly and get ready to celebrate with these festive quarantine New Year's Eve ideas. From setting a creative New Year's resolution to planning an incredible New Year's Eve brunch, you're bound to find a few celebratory ideas you love.
Make a New Year's brunch
Brunch is the best meal — and so you'll want to include it in your plans for the last day of the year. A festive dish, like these strawberry cheesecake flapjacks, will do the trick in a pinch. Oh, and you'll definitely want to pour a mimosa (it's never too early for champagne on New Year's Eve!).
Take a virtual yoga class
Yoga is an easy way to start your day on a refreshing note. Find an online class — you could try YouTube for a free flow or head to Eventbrite for a NYE-themed class — or download a top-rated yoga app. Then, pull out your mat and get moving. Try a vinyasa practice for something firey and fast or a yin yoga practice for something slow and relaxing.
It wouldn't be New Year's Eve without a glittery decoration or two. Add a festive touch to your home with these over-the-top 2021 balloons. Bonus: They're the perfect photo backdrop if you decide to take pics (and you absolutely should!).
Make a scrapbook
There's no denying it: 2020 was a year to remember. Commemorate the past 12 months by putting together a scrapbook or photo album. It's a great way to get creative and look back on all the incredible memories you made.
Make a vision board
If you prefer to look ahead, make a 2021 vision board. Find some magazines and cut out images that speak to you. Then, glue them onto cardstock. You can also make your vision board online using a website like Canva or PicMonkey. Make sure you print out your vision board and put it someplace you'll see it every day.
Get dressed up
Just because you're staying home doesn't mean you have to wear your PJs (although if you want to, you should!). Throw on your favorite holiday dress and some bold New Year's Eve makeup. Who cares if the only one who sees it is the cat?
RELATED: 20 Affordable New Year's Eve Outfits to Ring in 2021 in Style
Everyone loves a good photo booth. Buy some Insta-worthy props and set them up in front of a DIY backdrop. To make one quickly, tape silver or gold wrapping paper to the wall — preferably one in front of a window for some pretty natural light.
Write down your resolutions
Since you're staying home this year, you'll have extra time to work on your New Year's resolutions. Try to cover a range of baskets — things like career, health, finances, and self care — and get ready to have your best year yet.
RELATED: 55+ Achievable New Year's Resolutions for Healthier and Happier Living
The best thing about parties are the games — so make sure you've got a few on deck for New Year's Eve. You can find a ton of games like Scattegories, Bingo, and Family Feud on Etsy. If you're calling into a party on video chat, there are also plenty of games to play on Zoom.
Mix a cocktail
New Year's Eve is all about the bubbly, but that doesn't mean you can't kick your glass up a notch by mixing a fabulous champagne cocktail. This cherry bomb fizz requires just a dash of maraschino liqueur and a cherry garnish.
Make a memory jar
Here's a fun idea for New Year's Eve: Decorate a "Memory Jar" to keep over the next 12 months. Every time something incredible happens, write about it on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. You can even include momentos like ticket stubs and cards. On New Year's Eve 2022, you can open the jar and take a walk down memory lane.
Make a festive dinner
The best way to ring in a new year is with a delicious dinner. Instead of going out to a local spot, whip up something at home. You can never go wrong with a roast chicken and some tasty side dishes.
Get the recipe for Lemony Herb Roast Chicken »
RELATED: 12 New Year's Eve Dinner Ideas to End the Year in the Best Way
Watch a movie
Sure, the New Year's Eve movie genre isn't as established as the Christmas one, but there are a few classics you can always turn to. Light a few candles and settle in with some snacks and champagne for a cozy holiday you'll always remember.
RELATED: 28 Best New Year's Eve Movies Because Going Out is Overrated
Bake a delicious dessert
After a year like 2020, we all deserve a treat. Pick out a few dessert recipes you want to try and start baking on the morning of the 31st. That way, you'll have delicious snacks to enjoy all day and night —because the best thing to do after the ball drops is eat a cookie.
Pop a bottle of champagne and raise a glass to all the incredible experiences you'll have in the New Year. Bonus points if you serve it up in a statement glass.
RELATED: 30 Perfect New Year Wishes for 2021
Make some noise
As soon as the clock strikes 12, you'll want to get loud. And the best way to do that is with some trusty pots and pans — so make sure you've got a few on standby. We promise all your neighbors will be doing it too.
Dance it out
It doesn't matter if you're home alone or not — the best way to get ready for the new year is by busting a move. Find a virtual dance party if you need to — we promise there are tons — or simply turn up the music and get grooving.
RELATED: 30 Best New Year's Eve Songs to Rock Out to This Year
Watch the ball drop
To encourage social distancing, the Times Square ball drop will go virtual this year. Fortunately, the event will still feature performers and speakers, just like it has in years past. "The world desperately needs to come together symbolically and virtually to celebrate the people and things we love and to look forward with a sense of renewal and new beginnings,” Tim Tompkins, president of the Times Square Alliance, said in a press release about the event.
RELATED: How to Watch the 2021 Ball Drop
Juliana is a writer, editor and SEO strategist with over six years' of experience on the editorial staffs of publications including Reader's Digest, Best Life and Good Housekeeping. She covers everything from holiday and home to travel and food, and lives in New York City, where she can often be found at hot yoga or raiding the candy aisle at CVS.
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