How to Plan an Unforgettable New Year’s Eve Event

Elevate Your New Year’s Event to an Experience

Choose a theme - Use a historical era such as The Jazz Age or Hollywood’s Golden Age. (Gorgeous fashion choices!) Consider a novel idea like The Great Gatsby, or invite guests to celebrate a beloved television show, like Downton Abbey. 

Keep it classic with menu items common in the early 1900s and serve delectables made famous at the Waldorf Astoria, like oyster cocktails and romaine and grapefruit salad. For something simple but classic, our experts recommend a black and white ball. 

Set the mood - A climate-controlled tent offers a blank slate to create a custom atmosphere with dramatic lighting, drapery, a ceiling of sparkling lights, or other decor. Choose a rustic outdoor theme and serve s’mores along with cinnamon tequila hot toddies, hot buttered rum, or cocoa with Drambuie.

Go vertical - A vertical display, such as a donut or cupcake wall, adds some fun and visual appeal to your event. You could also create a waterfall feature and enhance it with colored lights.
Serve a signature cocktail - In the Roaring 20s, gin was in, and of course bubbly. For a tropical theme, serve a specialty rum drink. Marquee has an extensive glassware selection to suit any soiree.

Include activities and live entertainment - A photo booth equipped with costumes and accessories is fun but expected. Take it to the next-level with a live band, dance floor, and professional stage lighting. If your theme is The Roaring 20’s or old Hollywood, consider a murder mystery dinner party where guests are given roles to play.
Add suspense and surprises to the countdown - It’s New Year’s Eve! Make the countdown experience memorable with a champagne tower and souvenirs such as noisemakers or giant confetti poppers. 

Pair your food and drink - After heavy holiday meals, guests will appreciate a variety of light bites. Create a paring menu based on the drinks you’re serving, or choose food that fit your theme. Marquee rents a variety of kitchen equipment to ensure your delectable dishes stay hot and champagne stays cold.

Hire bartenders - Professional bartenders add to the experience. Look for bartenders who specialize in fun cocktail tricks! 

Holiday Event Rentals

Marquee Event Rentals is your single-source solution for holiday event rentals in Chicago, Kansas City, Milwaukee, Austin, Dallas, and San Antonio. Our local event experts and wealth of products can bring your vision to life. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.

Photos via Kent Drake Photography