Let’s party @ home

Partying is all about having fun and house parties are gaining a lot of popularity today. With New Year round the corner, Sherene Joseph gives you tips on how to plan a perfect year end party at home

Not in a mood to go out and celebrate the New Year? Never mind. Celebrating New Year at home is one of the best ways to bond with family and friends. House parties are gaining popularity today as it is much more fun and cost effective. With a couple of essential décor and simple party tips in mind, one can throw a great party at home. Here is how:

Party décor
It is time to do up your home a bit for the New Year bash. Candles are a sure shot winner when it comes to an evening party. They not only illuminate the surroundings, but spread warmth as a symbol of festive joy. The beautiful glow and scent of candles will definitely be the show stealer!

Similarly, adding some string lights around your home gives an additional glow. To create that cool, party-like atmosphere, add some pink and neon bulbs, which gives the feeling of a discotheque and enhance the overall decor. If you have a minimalist theme for the New Year's Eve party, dump a few bean bags in the living room and throw a rug on the floor to give a comfortable feel. Bright cushion covers and throw pillows add warmth to the otherwise dull room.

Theme parties
Having a theme for the New Year party is fun. The party theme can be more specific like Mexican, Bollywood, or colour specific, etc. Guests can come dressed in party theme. Even the house can be decorated according to the theme. "I have a couple of close friends who invite me to their homes for Christmas parties, so this is my chance to host them,” says Harsha Thachery, a homemaker, who is planning a Bollywood themed party for this New Year’s Eve. Similarly, having crazy party props like eye masks, coloured wigs, over-sized hats, devil horns, florescent glasses and so on, will add more fun to the party.

Musically yours! 
Music is an important element, the life of any party. Do a bit of homework to ensure that good music is played during the party. Avoid playing it too loud, so as not to disturb the neighbours. Have an on-demand playlist ready even before the guests arrive and if possible, get a DJ to play them for you.

Simple menu
One must always keep in mind to have a simple menu and not an elaborate one. Appetisers and short eats are an important part of the meal, ensure they are prepared in right quantities. Finger foods and light snacks such as veggies, chips, mini burgers and simple desserts such as brownies and cookies are great for a party setting.

If you are planning an outdoor party, barbeque is a great option. Binu Jose, a businessman by profession, is also a great cook and loves hosting parties for his close friends at home. “Binu is an expert with barbeque and cooks delicious meat, prawns, lamb chops etc.,” confides Mathews, his friend. With these simple tips in mind, plan a perfect New Year bash and get ready to usher the New Year in style! Happy partying!

                        

Kochi rocks this New Year!

Looking to party and usher the New Year in a grand manner? Wondering where to head to unwind this New Year’s Eve? Here is a snapshot of the happening places in the city and lists down a number of exciting options to choose from

2013 comes to an end in a few days and Kochiites are looking for exciting ways to celebrate the New Year. From night long parties, unlimited music and entertainment to a quiet dinner or a New Year’s brunch, the choices are numerous this year. With hotels and restaurants in Kochi going all out to make this New Year a memorable one, Kochi is gearing up in a big way to usher 2014. Here is a look at the party scene in the city this New Year’s Eve:

Come New Year and Le Meridian is gearing up for a White night. The entire ambience, seating, and décor at Oman hall in the convention centre has been decked up in white to suit the theme. A host of activities have been planned for the New Year bash, starting with DJ Savio and DJ Prince, who will be entertaining the audience in a jugalbandi of sorts. This will be followed by a couple of foot-tapping Bollywood dance numbers performed by Natya, a dance.

Popular singers, Anas and Sarisha will entertain with some amazing music, after which the western band, led by Lancy and Jaison will takes over. “The star of the evening will be DJ Celine, a child DJ, who will be entertaining the children in a separate area,” says Chandan Thakur, director, food and beverages, Le Meridian.

Crowne Plaza brings you a complete entertainment this New Year’s Eve with foot tapping music and live performances. Enjoy a special gala dinner at Trilogi, with unlimited drinks, live entertainments including a DJ, dance floor, caricature and kids corner. The New Year’s gala at the ballroom will host a Mexican themed party featuring George Peter, Exodus the band, DJ, dance floor, Mexican style dancers and a host of surprises. The fun-filled poor party at Spice Cabana includes a buffet dinner, DJ and special dance performances.

Holiday Inn presents the ultimate New Year Luau on 31 December with a lavish buffet dinner at Oasis, a guitarist, magician and a DJ to ensure entertainment. Apart from a live band, a special multi cuisine gala dinner has been organised at Masala, which is complimentary for kids below 5 years. For those wishing to have a quiet evening, the hotel is also organising a romantic candle lit themed dinner at Roma, their authentic Italian restaurant. An elaborate seven course Italian gourmet, with seven kinds of wines with each course and a live violin concert, awaits them.

With the White Mug band from Bangalore promising a complete entertainment, DJ Nash & DJ Abiram, ensuring the entertainment quotient, a non-stop extravaganza of great music, games, gifts and a gala dinner, awaits you at the outdoor venue of Ramada Resort.

Dream hotel has a host of fun activities planned for New Year’s Eve with the apt theme – Neon party. DJ Ashif Jamal and DJ Uday, and international dancing sensation Alicia, has been roped in to entertain the audience. Live performances by the rock band, ‘Halo of Flies’, dance shows by Thanthra, will usher the party mood. “With a lavish dinner buffet, unlimited beverages and mind-blowing acts, we promise you an epic party and an memorable evening,” says Fino Babu, manager, food and beverages, Dream hotel.

Bring in 2014 in style with good food and music at Casino group on New Year’s Eve. Listen to some foot-tapping music by Jazz Chords while enjoying a sumptuous gala dinner and unlimited beverages and wine.

With hotels offering attractive dining and partying options, restaurants in the city are not far behind. They are also going all out to make New Year's Eve special for its guests. Pizza Hut plans to woo its customers with ‘So cheesy’ pizza, velvet cakes and soups, apart from a wide choice of pizzas and desserts this New Year.

With so much happening in and around the city, its time to let your hair down and have a fantastic fun-filled New Year with your loved ones.