New Year Party Planner

What you get

A New Year's Eve party is a long night with one moment that has to land: glasses full, everyone in the room and the countdown on at 11:59. This planner works back from that moment and covers the six hours around it, from the guest list to the last ride home.

It does the sums for you. The champagne calculator gives the number of bottles for 6 to 40 guests, whether you are pouring one toast or serving bubbly all night. The evening schedule runs from 7pm to 1am with suggestions you can keep or change, and the toast page gives you a four-line structure plus midnight traditions from around the world to borrow.

What's inside

• The party at a glance: date, start time, guest count, budget, overnight guests, priorities and helpers
• Guest list: RSVP, plus one, dietary needs, what they are bringing and how they are getting home
• Appetizers and menu: dishes served in waves, make-ahead checkboxes, how much food per guest and food safety
• Drinks and the champagne calculator: bottles needed for 6 to 40 guests at three serving levels, a drinks list, chilling and opening tips
• The evening countdown: a suggested schedule from 7pm to 1am in half-hour steps, with your plan and who does what
• The playlist: four sections from arrivals to after midnight, with song and artist lines
• Decor and supplies: decor, tableware and bar, the midnight kit, comfort and cleanup
• The midnight toast: who gives it, a four-line toast structure, space to write yours and traditions from around the world
• Cleanup and next year: before-bed and New Year's Day checklists, what worked and what to change