Having Fun on New Year's Eve Without Breaking the Bank

NYE

is always a bit of an expensive night. We’re beginning a new tradition of staying home this year, but in prior years we always go to our favorite restaurant for dinner and it’s twice as expensive as it usually is thanks to the less-than-ideal prix fixe menu we don’t even care for all that much. Between that, a gorgeous new dress and shoes, cocktails and all that other jazz, it’s an expensive night. This year we’ve decided it’s time to stay home and create a new tradition – date night is more fun on a regular Friday or Saturday night and we don’t have to go out on NYE when we never feel completely safe and we always wish we were home with the kids. We don’t have to dress up or even stay up if we don’t feel like it, and it’s liberating. So instead of a formal evening out at events, we’re staying home and wearing yoga pants (me) and having friends over with their kids for some family fun. Whether or not you have a family, we have a few suggestions that will allow you to have a fabulous time this NYE without actually breaking the bank.

Have a Fun Night In Without the Kids

Invite your friends over, tell everyone to get dressed up and host a formal event at home. You can all wear your sparkling gowns and heels, drink champagne cocktails and eat gourmet food if you ask everyone to bring one dish and one bottle. It’s a very inexpensive way for everyone to have a good time without spending so much money it’s ridiculous. Just be sure to have little hats, champagne flutes and some confetti. Good music and the countdown won’t hurt, either.

Have a Family Night

Go buy some filets, turn on the grill and invite friends with kids over for a night of fun and games. Roast marshmallows and make s’mores by the fire pit. Sip cocktails in your casual clothes and play some games that really show how well you work together as a team. The best part is that little kids will go to bed on time and leave you able to enjoy some adult time, but still in the comfort of your own home.

Score Invites

If you’re looking to go out and have fun, skip dinner and go straight to a great event. Many hotels have events that might cost a bit for tickets, but they’re less expensive than dinner and drinks. And the best part is that these usually allow you to eat free and drink free all night. Of course, you’ll want to either hire a driver, a cab or book a room for the night so you don’t have to drive anywhere.

Remember this: New Year’s Even isn’t fun for anyone if you’re drinking and driving. And if you are looking for a way to keep your budget in tact this New Year, make sure you don’t drink and drive or a relatively expensive night is going to turn into a break the bank and cause you financial stress – as well as emotional stress – kind of night. Be safe, not sorry.

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