4 simple tips for throwing a last-minute New Year's Eve party

Putting together a spur-of-the-moment bash may seem daunting, but the following four tips will help ensure you throw an amazing New Year's Eve party at the last minute.

The main point of New Year's Eve is to enjoy it and have a party with friends. Basic snacks are more than enough for that.

• Heading out to the grocery store to pick up chips, dip, beverages and a few other essentials to snack on should guarantee a great night.

For those who wouldn't feel right without cooking, some quick and easy appetizers can help liven up the evening.

Someone who throws a party often feels the responsibility of turning a living room or backyard into what could pass for a celebrity shindig, but that's not necessary.

• Although many people go to the extreme, remember it won't be as easy when planning a party at the last minute.

Luckily, it's New Year's Eve and the simplest things can turn the night into a real celebration.

• Steer away from items you'd find at a typical Friday night party to give your get-together an extra-special atmosphere, including party blowers, feather boas, noisemakers and glittery hats.

You could just hook up your speaker dock and hit shuffle, but if that just doesn't seem like enough for a real New Year's Eve party, download some songs that suit the occasion or look online for a great playlist.

• There are many excellent music streaming services that create specialized playlists just for the holidays. Simply pick a playlist and click to launch it.

New Year's Eve parties can start several hours before the clock hits midnight, so it's important to have something lined up to keep everyone from just getting drunk or bored.

• Good old-fashioned games can work sometimes, as long as they're exciting. Go online to find a bevy of great game ideas that all can enjoy.
• If you have children at the party, remember to also have games ready for them to play.
• To spruce up the fun, go to the Dollar Store and stock up on some inexpensive prizes for the "winners."

Throwing any party can leave you scrambling, but by following just a few of these tips, you can manage to throw an amazing New Year's Eve party at the last minute for you and your friends.