It is a long standing tradition in my circle that we will be playing poker on New Year’s Eve! It’s not a question of will we or won’t we? It’s an ‘at who’s house’ question! I have had the pleasure of hosting this special kind of poker party. I had so much fun being creative in my decorating. You will too! Here’s how to host a New Year’s Eve Poker Party!
The Invitation
If you have read any of my hosting how to’s then you know what I am about to say. The party always starts with the invitation. No matter how much of a budget I am on, I never skimp on creative and interesting invitations. It sets the whole tone for your party. Let’s think about that for a moment. Would you be more excited about an upcoming New Year’s Eve party if you were handed an original creative invite? Or a generic dollar store invitation knock off? I venture to say I would much rather have the creative invite! Plus I like a little keepsake from parties that I consider to be a success. They are like victory trophies I take out and look at when I am preparing for a new hosting challenge! And today there are tons of great invitation ideas already out there. You don’t have too look far for one! Even an E-Vite is a good idea, if it looks good. So pick at interesting New Year’s Eve invitation to send or email. Tuck in some playing cards in your invite! We recommend E-Vite or the Party Store. Look for the links at the end of our article.
Casino Wear
On your invitations consider dropping some hints about attire for you party. Tell your guests it’s Casino Wear! For women think over the top Las Vegas. Fabulous gowns with boas and costume jewelry. For men think James Bond in classic chic! Everyone should dress up for New Year’s Eve!
Decorations
Have a balloon drop on in your party area or your porch. You can buy the kits online. Add some confetti to your balloons before tying them off. Give all your guests a pin to pop balloons with a few minutes before midnight. Have plenty of noisemakers too! You could also get Playing Card plates and cups. Decorate your poker party with hearts and spades.
Supplies
You’ll need plenty of cards and chips. Have a couple of tables set up for poker play. You could play poker, 21 or whatever your group fancies!
Music
You must have Auld Lang Syne cued and ready on CD to play at midnight. It’s a New Year’s Eve tradition. So is smooching! Also some Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or whoever says Las Vegas to you.
Food and Drinks
Finger foods between games is a great idea. Keep it simple with a sandwich tray, fruit tray and some peanuts. You decide whether or not to serve martinis. Champagne is definitely a must for New Year’s Eve!
