Let’s be honest…friends and family never get together on schedule. And we all know showing up at their door empty-handed just isn’t polite. New Year isn’t any different – A gift is a must.
And when it’s New Year, your choice of present must reflect the sentiments of the season. New Year gifts should be an unspoken greeting wishing your loved happiness, prosperity and success for the year ahead. If you’ve been a fan of Tastebuds for a while now, you’ll know that gifting is no small matter to us.
Of course, we planned ahead and prepped a bunch of gorgeous New Year Gift Hampers to make those start-of-the-year family visits a little warmer – and fun.
A Few Amazing New Year Gift Hampers from Tastebuds……..
To walk through the door with a celebration in hand the New Year Champagne Gift Hamper awaits with a party-worthy bottle of Moët Brut Impérial Champagne. With quince paste, olive oil and crackethins included, all you’ll need to do is add your favourite cheese. Call in the New Year in style with this gift box and then settle in for a chat with a bite to eat – sounds like a wonderful start to a Happy New Year!
The vibes on the New Year Sparkling Wine & Snack Gift Hamper for Her leave no doubts about where it should go. Freixenet Prosecco and the girliest of girly treats galore in this gift box. Raspberry Bliss Mini Melting Moments and Raspberry & White Chocolate Biscuits with a side of coconut ice cubes make for the sweetest indulgence for a New Year’s evening with the girls.
Visiting someone with a special love of snacks? This New Year Snack Gift Hamper is the box of treats for a little New Year pick me up. With a bunch of sweets and a few savories to complement, this snack box packs a bunch of beloved Aussie-favourite treats.
On the topic of beloved Aussie eats and treats comes the Australian Red & White Wine hamper. This gourmet gift box packs a Shiraz and Chardonnay from Azahara – a well-loved Australian winemaker. The crisp, refreshing white wine and the full-bodied red make for a complete New Year bevvie experience. At Tastebuds, we love homegrown flavours best. We know you do too.
Are you and your buddies much happier ringing in the New Year with a few cold ones? This Beer Choice hamper will be much more to your liking. Sometimes, a quiet New Year’s Eve with your best mates is tastier than any meticulously planned party. And we say “Cheers” to that!
For those ones who love to discuss the past year’s business with a little something to drink, the New Year Whisky Choice hamper will prove to be a joy. Choose between Chivas Regal, Johnnie Walker Black, Dimple, and Jack Daniel's No. 7.
Love Penfolds? This red wine hamper with Penfolds Max’s Pinot Noir is a winning gift anytime. This bottle of red has certainly made a name for itself the world over. There’s no way to avoid a good party with Penfold’s red wine in the bevvie mix.
A Few Friends and Family Coming Over for a NYE Party? Here's How to Do it Right on Short Notice
Throwing a small, cosy New Year’s Eve bash with your best friends or closest family is the perfect way to ring in the new year. It’s not about extravagant décor or a big guest list—it’s about enjoying the company of those who matter most and celebrating the start of a fresh chapter together.
Set the Tone—Keep it Relaxed
New Year’s Eve doesn’t have to be stressful or high-pressure. Set the tone by keeping things casual and laid-back. If you’re planning on having a chill gathering, make sure to let everyone know that it’s more about hanging out and having fun than trying to impress. No need to overthink the theme or dress code—comfy outfits and good vibes are all that’s needed.
Choose a Comfortable Space
The beauty of a small gathering is that you can host it anywhere with enough space to fit everyone comfortably. Whether it’s your living room, kitchen, or even a cosy outdoor patio (weather permitting), the key is to make sure there’s enough room for everyone to mingle, eat, and celebrate. If you’re using your home, try to clear out any clutter and create a welcoming environment. Throwing down some throw pillows, lighting candles, or adding fairy lights can go a long way in setting the mood without much effort.
Create a Fun Playlist
The music sets the vibe for the night. A great playlist can get everyone in the mood for a good time. You don’t need to hire a DJ—just throw together a mix of your favourite tunes, songs from the past year, or even a collection of everyone’s favourite jams. Make sure it has a good balance of upbeat songs for dancing and some chill tracks for moments of downtime. If you’re stuck, there are plenty of pre-made playlists on Spotify or Apple Music that’ll fit the occasion.
Keep the Food Simple but Tasty
You don’t need to cater a five-course meal. For a small gathering, focus on fun, easy-to-eat appetisers and finger foods that will keep everyone satisfied as the night goes on. Think about small platters of cheese, crackers, charcuterie, or veggies and hummus. You can also throw together a DIY taco bar, a pizza-making station, or mini sliders. Just make sure there’s enough variety to accommodate different tastes, including vegetarian or gluten-free options if needed.
If you want to go a step further, you can bake some easy desserts, like brownies, cupcakes, or biscuits. For something extra fun, you could even make a DIY sundae bar or s’mores station if you’ve got the space. The goal is to have tasty, shareable foods that people can enjoy throughout the night without much hassle.
Drinks for All Tastes
Set up a simple drink station with a few options to suit everyone’s preferences. For adults, you can offer wine, beer, or a couple of signature cocktails. For example, a classic champagne toast at midnight is a must, but you can also have a fun twist with a fun sparkling mocktail or punch for those who prefer not to drink alcohol. You don’t need to spend a lot on fancy drinks—something simple, like a festive sangria or a spiked hot chocolate, can make the night feel extra special. Be sure to have enough water available too!
Plan a Few Games or Activities
While your friends or family may love to just chat and hang out, it’s always a good idea to have some games on hand to keep the energy flowing. Opt for simple party games that don’t require too much setup or effort. Some of the classic options include charades, Pictionary, or a fun board game (like Cards Against Humanity or Exploding Kittens). If your crew is into music, you could play a game of “Name That Tune” or have a lip-sync battle. Games like these are easy to prepare and bring out plenty of laughter and fun.
For something more interactive, set up a photo booth area with props. This could be a simple backdrop with a few silly items like glasses, hats, and boas. It’ll keep everyone entertained and create a collection of funny photos to look back on later.
Get Cosy with Decorations
Since it’s a small gathering, you don’t need to go overboard with decorations, but a little touch of festivity can enhance the mood. Consider stringing up some fairy lights, hanging up a couple of New Year’s Eve-themed decorations, or throwing in a few candles for a warm ambiance. You don’t even need to buy fancy decorations—just use what you have around the house! You could also ask your guests to bring a party hat or fun accessory to wear during the night.
Midnight Countdown (With a Twist)
The countdown to midnight is always the big moment! Make sure you have something set up for this special part of the night. You can keep it traditional with a TV or smartphone countdown, or get a bit creative. For example, hand out noisemakers or sparklers to light up the moment. You can also incorporate a “resolution jar” where everyone writes down their hopes for the new year and shares them at midnight. This could be an uplifting and funny way to start the new year with positive energy.
Relax and Enjoy the Moment
Above all, remember that this night is about having fun and celebrating with the people you care about. Let go of any stress about everything being perfect. Embrace the moment, enjoy the conversation, and take time to really appreciate being surrounded by people who matter. If something goes a little off-plan, that’s okay—it’s the imperfections that often make the best memories.
Send Your Guests Away Right
When it’s time to say goodbye, send your friends or family off with a small token of appreciation. This doesn’t have to be anything extravagant—a bag of homemade biscuits, a mini champagne bottle, or, perhaps even a little gift hamper—a simple thank-you note can make all the difference. It’s a nice way to end the night on a thoughtful note.
That’s it! With a little planning and a lot of love, you can create a relaxed, intimate, and unforgettable New Year’s Eve bash with your best friends or closest family. Cheers to new beginnings, making memories, and celebrating with those who matter most. Happy New Year!
