New Years Eve can be one of the most romantic nights of the year: glitz and glamour, the anticipation of what’s to come, and don’t forget the famous new year’s kiss. It’s the perfect time for couples to connect, reflecting on memories they have made over the past year and sharing dreams for the future.
On the flip side, New Years Eve can hold a lot of pressure to go out, see and be seen. But don’t panic! If spending a night out on the town doesn’t sound like your cup of tea, we’ve got you covered. For those who would prefer to ring in the new year with a quiet evening at home, here are five New Year’s eve ideas for couples. After all, at the end of the day (and year) life is really about spending time with those you love.
1. Reflect on the Year and Plan Ahead
While New Years Eve is all about looking ahead, reflecting on the previous year provides closure and prepares you for what is next. Doing this with your significant other allows you to share what is most important to you. Pause and consider what went well that year and how you want to move forward together. Compile photos, look at home videos, and journal about milestones you hit as a couple that year. You could even make a time capsule of items that commemorate special memories you shared. Want to make some changes? New Years is the perfect time to set goals. Bonus points if you keep them! These resolutions could be as simple as saving for that dream vacation or working to strengthen your relationship. As long as you are working together, your year will be well spent.
2. Invite Friends Over for a Backyard Bonfire
Of course it is always a wonderful idea to spend the evening alone together, but why not celebrate with those you love the most by inviting them over for drinks and a backyard bonfire. Bundle up and grill out, make s’mores, play backyard games and even break out sparklers. Celebrating the new year with friends allows you to strengthen your relationship while you ring in the new year with fun and merriment.
3. Revisit Old Traditions
There is something undeniably nostalgic about December 31, where people look back at what transpired over the last year. Even the classic “Auld Lang Syne” roughly translates to “old long since”. There are so many interesting traditions your grandparents may have practiced on New Year’s Eve while celebrating. Decorate a New Years tree, a tradition that goes all the way back to the 1600s. Give a gift. Romans used to hand out nuts or gold coins, Persians would hand out eggs for fertility, while the Scots traded short-bread, silverware and coal. Kiss at midnight. Sure, this is an old standby, but as tradition goes, you “kiss the person you want to keep kissing.”
4. Cook a Feast
Cooking together is the perfect way to heat things up. It keeps you both engaged and requires teamwork and communication as you work together to deliver a wonderful dish. Be adventurous by trying a new cuisine neither of you have ever tried. Or prepare a dish you have always wanted to try, but never have. Be sure to include foods that bring good luck in the New Year such as black-eye peas (symbols for wealth), white grapes, pork or ham (all symbols for prosperity). Whatever you cook, make sure you relax and have fun. If all goes well, turn it into an annual tradition.
5. Have a Date Night
Don your fanciest cocktail dress and heels (you know, the ones hiding in the back of your closet that you wore to your cousin’s wedding last spring?). Or put on your tux. Nothing is too much! Dress up your home as well. Clean out and clean up. Set the mood. Light candles, dim the lights, sprinkle rose petals or confetti. Take this time to make your home feel special while you spend it with your someone special. Complete the evening by snuggling under a blanket on the couch, popping some popcorn and watching a movie fit for New Years. Think The Holiday, An Affair to Remember, When Harry Met Sally, or While You Were Sleeping. Anything with a New Years and holiday flair would make the evening complete.
New Years Eve at Lakeside at Tessera
No matter what your plans, an evening spent at home when you live at Lakeside at Tessera in Lago Vista is always a good choice. Ring in the year in your dream home and explore all the possibilities of Lakeside at Tessera.