Decorating ideas for the New Year's Eve table
If you stop to think about it, there are some lovely moments happening around the table, surrounded by loved ones, and even more so on special occasions where it's all about getting together for good times. One of those days is New Year's Eve, the night with the biggest party atmosphere and the most laughter. If you want to make the most of the festivities and give your dinner table a personal touch this year, don't miss these New Year's Eve table decoration ideas.
Table decorating for New Year's Eve: where do you start?
The first thing you need for decorating the table on New Year's Eve is to organise everything that will be happening on the day, from the number of people who will be there to which tablecloth you're going to use, so you can check a few days beforehand that everything is ready for the big day.
Check the most important elements, the ones that will be the base of the decoration:
- The tablecloth for the New Year's Eve table, choose a simple tablecloth and complement it with ornaments or you can opt for a more striking tablecloth and keep the decorations to a minimum. If you want to be able to see the table, you can use placemats.
- You can use your usual crockery, or if you have crockery for special occasions, this is the time. If your crockery is white, you can use coloured tablecloths or you can keep the table linen white, too, to emphasize the decorative elements such as the centrepiece. You can also use a charger plate or a pot stand as decoration and it can be the base for all the other plates that will be coming out during dinner. Take a look at our affordable dinnerware.
- Glasses and cups for all the toasts you want to make during or after dinner. We have all kinds of glasses and cups to suit all tastes; remember that they should match the other table decorations.
- Napkins also play an important role at the table; apart from being functional, they're also very decorative. You can use napkins that go with your chosen tablecloth, either matching or in the same shade, but you can also make them stand out by choosing another colour or texture. Ideally, you should place the napkin on top of or to the left side of the plate.
- The cutlery should match the rest of the table decorations. You can use simple cutlery that will go well with any style, or if you want to be a bit daring, use gold or black cutlery.
And to make sure that you have a complete table and all the cutlery in the right place, don't forget to check out the guide to properly setting a dining table.
Start with a special snack
Before sitting at the table, we usually get together for a drink and some snacks to start the evening. You can put some nibbles on a side table or you can even create a special corner where people can help themselves while you're having a chat.
If you are going to do it in a room next to the dining area, for example if the dining room is also the living room, it's best to have the same type of decoration and colours in both spaces for continuity.
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New Year's Eve decoration table centrepiece
The centrepiece plays an important role in your New Year's Eve table decoration, but you also need to consider a few things: Don't go overboard with the height, the special thing about getting together is being able to see each other and talk easily during dinner without the decorations getting in the way. If you are going to use candles or flowers, avoid ones with a very strong scent that could interfere with the smell of the food or even the taste.
You can create a simple yet eye-catching display, playing with natural seasonal decorations such as branches, pine cones, leaves and dried flowers. You can even spray paint them to give them a more special touch. Don't forget about the lighting, you can use lights and/or candles to create a very cosy, Christmassy scene.
And since it's New Year's Eve dinner, why not add a clock as part of the centrepiece? You wouldn't want to miss counting down with grapes! In fact, the centrepiece could even be made of food, where it's within reach to nibble on with the rest of the dishes. Let your imagination run wild!
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New Year's Eve table decoration by style
After learning about the key elements that will appear on any New Year's Eve table, which decoration style do you like best? Here we are going to show you some ideas to inspire you and help you create the New Year's Eve table decoration that best suits your tastes.
Traditional style
A table where the red and green colours will stand out and really highlight the New Year's Eve table decoration. You can use a red tablecloth or table runner and add green and white accents such as candles and the centrepiece. You can also add some gold or silver detailing to create an elegant scene.
If you want a traditional Scandinavian style table, you can choose a white tablecloth and fill the table with lights. You can also use paper stars for the ceiling. And for the centrepiece, use plants or pine cones, branches, dried leaves… You'll love the result!
Modern style
Let the table stand out with colour, you can use a main colour: blue, green, gold, silver... a metallic touch will make the table elegant and festive. Go for more striking cutlery or plates, dare to be different!
You can make use of Christmas tree baubles in the colour of your choice and place one on the table or on each plate. That'll make your New Year's Eve table decoration extra-special.
Thinking of the little ones at home
Fill the table with magic, thinking of the little ones in the house. Add elements that will keep them entertained during dinner and, on top of that, you'll have a very special set-up. You can make the most of the party favours and have them as decorative elements or, for example, the little one's train. It will be great fun!
The children can also help with the New Year's Eve table decoration, from painting leaves or dried pine cones to writing the names of the dinner guests; they will love it and the table will be really personalised.
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Personalise your table decoration for New Year's Eve
Add the name of each person who will be there enjoying the New Year's Eve dinner. There are loads of ways to do it, from writing it on a card and placing it on top of their napkin to looking for an extra little gift they can take home as a keepsake.
And the glasses? You can sweeten the cava or you can make ice cubes with fruit inside. They're perfect for a good gin and tonic or a glass of water to give it a special flavour.
Your greatest ally
Without a doubt, these two products will save you from any unexpected event at dinner. If you need more space on the table, but it's already full, use a trolley as an extra piece of furniture, for example, to keep drinks and glasses on, and even extra napkins and cutlery in case they're needed.
And if you have more guests than chairs, folding chairs will give you an extra seat when you need it, and if not, they take up no space at all when they're folded away.
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Give the grapes the emphasis they deserve
The 12-grape countdown is the highlight of the night, it's the moment we've all been waiting for, laughter is certainly guaranteed when you're sharing this moment with the whole family. But, when it comes to selecting the grapes, try to make sure they're not too big so that it's easier to eat them with each chime.
If there are little ones, they don't need to eat all 12 grapes, it might be a bit difficult for them; they can eat 12 small pieces of grape, or you can replace them with olives or sweets, for example.
But, how can you present the grapes in a special way? You can arrange them on a skewer in a cava glass, giving the grapes an extra touch of flavour, in small glass jars, or a different type of glass. You can even put them in a little box, wrap it like a present and take the opportunity to add the name of each person who'll be sitting at the table, so they'll know where to sit.
It doesn't matter how you present the grapes, what matters is enjoying a good start to the year with family and loved ones. Happy New Year!
New Year's Eve table decoration: a special New Year's Eve
This year, decorate your New Year's Eve table in a vibrant, special way. Whatever your style, at IKEA you will find a wide variety of crockery, glasses, cutlery, lights and decorations to create the perfect table to see out the year in the style it deserves, with magic and family.
Apart from everything we've already mentioned, the ideas for decorating the table on New Year's Eve, the styles and tips, you can't forget about another important point: the music. Music will help avoid the temptation for someone to turn on the television before the countdown and you'll create a cosy atmosphere. Avoid playing the music too loudly though, so it doesn't disturb the conversation, and choose whichever style of music you like, but instrumental Christmas songs are always a safe bet ;).
Secret Santa is very common at this time of year; you can celebrate it at Christmas, on New Year's Eve or even before the Three Kings arrive. Here you can see 48 original ideas to give to your Secret Santa.
Little ones not sure what to ask Father Christmas or the Three Wise Men for yet? Take a look at our selection of Montessori toys and affordable toys. They're sure to find something they'll love!
And if you want more ideas, don't miss this collection of affordable furniture and recommendations we've got for you.