3, 2, 1 .... happy New Year!

And that's how fast it goes. One minute it's the beginning of December, the next it's Christmas, and now we're quickly approaching the end of the year. And so are, in some parts of the world (depending on lots of COVID-19 restrictions), some pretty parties filled with NYE decorations. These usually come in different shapes and sizes but have all one thing in common: they set the mood for an evening with celebrations. Not sure how to prepare for New Year's Eve yet? Read on for some tips on creating an unforgettable evening.

The most important thing when decorating for New Year's Eve is to create an environment that is perfect for a social gathering. Therefore, first focus on the areas where you are hosting. This could include the living room, the terrace or outdoor area, the dining room and the kitchen. After that, you can put the finishing touches on other rooms, such as the bathroom and the hallway.

Stick to a theme for the New Year's party. Look at a few party theme ideas and choose your favourite. If you stick to a theme, the decoration will be efficient and without unnecessary expenses.

Decide on colours before you buy New Year's Eve decorations. One basic shade and two complementary colours are sufficient. Limiting your colour palette will give you a coherent party décor filled with stunning New Year's Eve decoration ideas.

Go big, but with less. You can create an impressive wall with two or three oversized balloons and a "Happy New Year" banner. Too many decorations can look cluttered and overwhelming.

Decorate the table with socialising in mind. Be practical and don't decorate too much. Make sure guests have enough space to move their arms freely without risk of knocking something over.

Choose neutral, delicate flowers. Fragrant flowers can cause irritation or even an allergic reaction in some people. So, stick to flowers that have a subtle or neutral scent.

Set up a self-service bar or bar cart. Make sure that guests can help themselves to snacks and drinks. A separate bar area offers more space and encourages socialising - especially if it is nicely decorated.

Add visual depth to the space by using height. Use New Year's Eve decorations in different lengths and sizes. Floating helium balloons or hanging pompoms can instantly make a room look festive.

Don't forget the clock. Put a clock or two on the wall to remind you of the countdown. You can also add alarm clocks to your New Year's Eve decorations or table settings.

Not celebrating big this year and therefore no need for NYE decorations? And you are not even sure what to do this year thanks to all COVID-19 related restrictions? How about...

Hosting a virtual event?

A trend that is likely to continue even post-pandemic. After all, virtual events provide an inexpensive way to connect with people without the time and expense of traveling, which means a lot more people from across the country can participate in your virtual party.

Plus, there are fewer worries about drinking and driving if everyone is celebrating at home.

Jazzing Up Your At-Home Celebration If your idea of the perfect New Year's Eve celebration is a little more simple, think about how you can make your celebration at home memorable and fun. For instance, there's no reason not to get dressed up and enjoy a special meal. Whether you prepare it yourself or order it from your favourite restaurant: Treat yourself this year, and serve it on your best china.

After all, you've worn masks, worked remotely, stayed at home and distanced yourself socially for more than 300 days - an achievement certainly worth celebrating. You can even share your meal virtually with family and friends and play a few games after dinner.

Setting the year 2021 ablaze

If you're like most people, you can't wait for 2021 to be over. After all, this year has been a long and tiring one, raising people's stress and anxiety levels. If this is how you feel about 2021, you may want to build a fire in the fireplace or light the fire pit to make 2021 go up in flames.

To do this, write down the things that happened in 2021 that you want to let go of, forget or let go of. Then throw the paper into the fire and watch it disappear. This process can be particularly cathartic for people who have had a difficult year that they want to put behind them.

Making it meaningful

If you're not much of a party person and have never really liked New Year's Eve, a quiet evening at home might be just what you need after the hectic festive season.

To make the time a little more meaningful, you can write heartfelt letters or notes to friends and family telling them how you feel, what this year has meant to you and what you have learned. These letters are also a good reminder that although you were not able to spend the holidays together, your love for them has not diminished.

However you decide to spend New Year's Eve, alone, with friends and/or family, I wish you a Happy New Year. Be proud of yourself and of what you have experienced and achieved in the past year. It certainly wasn't the easiest year for all of us. Here's to a new one!

Cheers! Proost! Prost! Skål! Santé! Jámas! Salute! Salud! Serefe! Noroc! Na zdrowie! Chokdee! Vashe zdorovie! Egészségére! Saúde! Tim-tim!