10 Cheap Ways to Bring in the New Year with a Bang
Are you looking for creative new ways to bring in the New Year? From countdowns to social events, it’s easy to get lost in the details. Whether you ring in the New Year solo or with family, friends, or co-workers, celebrate one more trip around the sun with these ideas.
Host a New Year’s Eve Game Night
If you struggle to stay up past midnight on New Year’s Eve, try adding a little competition adrenaline. Invite friends and family over for a fun game night, with the activities chosen based on your guests. Games like Cards Against Humanity and Never Have I Ever are great for an adult party, while Pictionary and Apples to Apples are perfectly suited for a family party. If you’ve got all couples in attendance, a DIY version of the Newlywed Game always supplies the laughs. Create a party atmosphere with an upbeat playlist, and upgrade your sound system to ensure high-resolution audio all night long.
Arrange a Progressive Dinner with Friends and Family
Why strain your budget (or spend all day in the kitchen) preparing a big meal for your loved ones when everyone can share the responsibility? At a progressive dinner, guests eat a different course at each host’s house. Think appetizers and cocktails at your place, soup and salad at your in-laws’, an entrée at your parents’, and dessert at your sister’s. No one has the monumental task of preparing a full four-course meal, and everyone can enjoy showing off their cooking and décor. Does the idea of cooking for guests in your current kitchen zap your holiday spirit? It may be time for a makeover, complete with budget-friendly, rent-to-own appliances.
Set Up a Family Pajama Party (Complete with Breakfast for Dinner)
You may not feel like dressing up and hitting the town if you have little ones at home. Instead, have a lowkey family New Year’s Eve by transforming your living room into a slumber party paradise with blankets, pillows, and your coziest pajamas. Plan a line-up of holiday movies and serve breakfast for dinner to enjoy while watching. If you’re planning on upgrading your TV in the new year, a holiday movie night is a perfect excuse! The best way to bring in the new year is to snuggle up with the people you love most.
Go Ice Skating
Take advantage of the winter weather by spending your last night of the year ice skating! Many rinks host late-night skating, and it will be much cheaper than paying for fancy meals or open bar tickets. Warm up afterward with hot chocolate (and maybe even a midnight kiss).
Sign Up for a Virtual Mixology Class
Thanks to the endless courses and fun activities online, there have never been more ways to bring in the new year at home. Invite your friends over (or have them log in at their homes) for a virtual mixology class, where you can learn to make drinks like the pros. To save even more money, have your guests BYOB. You supply the garnishes, glasses, and stellar atmosphere. Cheers!
Enjoy a Romantic, Candlelit Takeout Dinner
Who says you have to leave the house to have a romantic night with your partner? Instead, set a fancy table, light some candles, and enjoy takeout from your favorite local restaurant. Make it feel even more special by getting dressed to the nines for your intimate night in. If cozy dinners at home are already a staple in your house, treat yourself in the coming year by affordably upgrading your dining room set.
Start the Year Sweaty
If you really want to save some major cash this New Year’s Eve, skip the elaborate cocktails and enjoy some endorphins instead. Some gyms host fun late-night workout classes on New Year’s Eve, and some cities hold midnight fun runs. Even if there’s nothing in your area, you can always throw on a workout video or go for a (safe, well-lit!) run as the clock strikes midnight.
Treat Yo’ Self with a Home Spa Night
Stroll into 2022 with your best (freshly exfoliated and moisturized) face forward. Invite your besties over and have everyone bring their favorite spa treatments and products. Think face masks, candles, nail polishes, hand creams, lip exfoliants, hair masks, massage oils, and so on. Play calming music, turn the lights down low, and ring in the new year in the most relaxing way possible.
Rent Out a Movie Theater with Family and Friends
Renting out a movie theater is cheaper than you think. Depending on where you live (and how many guests you invite), splitting the cost of renting out a private theater can actually end up costing you the same as (or even less than) a standard movie ticket! And, in a private theater, you’ll never get shushed for making one too many comments about the on-screen action. Check out what your local theater offers and enjoy a movie on the big screen this New Year’s Eve. Many blogs report that you can rent an entire AMC theater for just $99.
Plan a Staycation
Enjoying a change of scenery can be a great way to celebrate the new year, and you don’t have to spend a ton of money to do it. Check out rental options in your vicinity, even in small towns off the beaten path that you usually wouldn’t consider. Do you live in Dallas? Consider Canton or Grapevine. How about Nashville? Look into Franklin or Clarksville! Spend New Year’s Eve and Day exploring hidden gems, eating at new restaurants, and relishing a quick vacation from routine.
Now that you’re ready to bring in the New Year with a bang, it’s time to focus on your other New Year’s resolutions. Update your home for less by shopping online or visiting your nearest Rent-A-Center location today! With easy product reservations and free same-day delivery, it’s never been more convenient to give your space the TLC it deserves.