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The big holiday is right around the corner. Before we know it, wrapping paper will be ripped off gifts, ovens will be hot with festive treats and Christmas tree lights will be sparkling. And before you know it, New Year’s Eve will be here, too.
That’s right, 2021 is almost behind us, and 2022 will be taking the driver’s seat. If the thought of starting a new year makes your head spin, you’re not alone. With so much time lost from the Coronavirus pandemic, it feels like it was 2019 just yesterday.
But nonetheless, it’s time to ring in the new year, celebrate and make a whole new list of New Year’s resolutions!
If you’re planning on having a socially distant New Year’s Eve party, then you’ve come to the right place. The New York Post chatted with event planning superstar Guerdy Abraira, and she gave us all the tips on hosting the perfect party.
In our exclusive conversation, Abraira shared the best products to purchase, how to make your gathering come to life and more.
Want to discover and shop by section? Simply select an option below:
Inviting And Planning#
It goes without saying that the most stressful part of an event is most likely deciding who you want to invite and how you want the party to unfold.
Should I invite Robert from high school? No, he no longer talks to David. Well what about Arianna from book club? I don’t think she knows anyone else there. And what about all of the other things on my to-do list?
Thankfully, Abraira broke this process down for us.
“Try not to create a war at your dinner table by inviting two separate groups of people who you know darn well may not get along at all,” she explained. “Pick a day for one type of group and [another] for the other type.”
And when it comes to all of the planning, Abraira shared that it’s all about taking notes, and giving yourself reminders.
“I don’t really have an organizer that’s my go-to. I just make sure that I accumulate my notes in one location, and I’m able to check them off,” Abraira said. “I set myself a lot of reminders so that when I know I’m about to run errands, I can rely on them.”
Blue Sky 2022 Weekly & Monthly Planner With Flowers, $15.32 (originally $25.99)

Perfect for setting deadlines, creating reminders and curating lists, this weekly and monthly planner will keep you organized and ready to tackle all of your tasks in the new year.
Moleskine Classic Notebook, $15.49 (originally $18.74)

In need of a new journal to jot down your creative thoughts, brainstorm ideas and more? If so, Moleskin provides top-of-the-line, durable notebooks in a plethora of fun colors.
PILOT G2 Premium Refillable & Retractable Rolling Ball Gel Pens, $19.99 (originally $42.01)

Why stick to classic blue and black ink when you could opt for lime green or pretty pink?
TWOHANDS Pastel Highlighters, $6.99

If you’re like us, you don’t love the bright yellow and stark green highlighters you find in your junk drawer. Thankfully, cute, pastel highlighters are now available, and we are obsessed.
500 Pieces Tabs, $8.99

Keep tabs (pun intended) on your tasks with this 500-piece tab set. You can stick them on pages you plan to return to, mark loved items and more.
Expanding File Folder with 10 Pockets, $13.99

Sure, a lot of documents are now electronic, but what about those that aren’t? Keep them nicely organized and put away in this chic, geometric file folder.
Generating A Theme#
If you’ve ever planned an event, you know finding a theme can be overwhelming and difficult. However, Abraira believes in one central mantra when it comes to themes: “Do you,” she proudly told the Post.
“Don’t try to copy a Pinterest picture to the tee. It doesn’t exude anything from your own personal style,” Abraira explained. “If you’re known to be that sparkly dress girl, then add sparkle to your decorations so that it matches your aesthetic. Stay true to who you are and what you like.”
Hahuho 2 Piece Sequin Table Runner, $9.73 (originally $11.45)

Nothing elevates a boring black or white table cloth like a sparkly runner. Simply choose your favorite color and boost your decor.
Happy New Years Balloons, $10.97

Ring in the new year with these festive and glittery balloons. The black and gold gorgeously compliment one another and will bring any room to life.
130 Feet Glitter Star Paper Garland, $10.99

Draw stars around your 2021 scars (thanks, Taylor Swift for the play on words) with this reflective garland. Will you use it as a photo backdrop? What about to decorate the wall behind the drink table? The choice is up to you.
GOER 42 Inch 2022 Gold Foil Number Balloons, $12.99 (originally $24.99)#

Nothing says “party” like massive number balloons. Perfect for photo opps and decor alike, they’ll be a hit.
ZERODECO Party Decoration, $14.99

If you’re more of a one and done kind of person, then this is the kit for you. You’ll love the simplicity of it, as it includes everything needed to welcome 2022 in style.
Choosing Tablescape Elements#
Tablescapes are just as vital to hosting as a jaw-dropping theme and top-of-the-line guest list, and Abraira believes it all begins with simplicity.
“Keep it simple, you don’t want to overdo it,” Abraira shared. “You want to be part of the scene and not behind the kitchen serving the scene. So, it’s important for you to have everything very accessible.”
To help with with this, Abraira suggests having a small table with a big bucket of ice and plenty of drinks integrated into the festivities. This way, people can freely refresh and replenish themselves.
Abraira also noted that serving utensils is just as important.
“Serving ware is very important for me, because it’s all part of presentation. You eat with your eyes,” Abraira explained. “But all [choices] will have to create a thematic design for your table scapes. So try to stay in a simple yet cohesive color scheme. Keep it simple, keep it elegant, keep it consistent.”
G.H. Mumm Brut Cordon Rouge Champagne, $49.99

If you’re searching for a bold addition to your evening, G.H.Mumm Grand Cordon will do the trick. So pop open the bottle and taste fruit, apple, sweet spices and caramel.
Gold Trim Lined Guest Napkins, $27.95

Napkins can’t possibly be alluring. Or can they? These gold trim napkins aren’t only useful and necessary, but will add an elevated approach to your table scape.
4 Liter Ice Bucket, $24.99

Ditch the classic, metal ice buckets, and opt for something more pleasing to the eye.
Clear 9 Oz Cups, $26.99 (originally $38.99)

Sure, New Year’s is all about the glitz and glam, but let’s not forget about the necessities. These cups will come in handy, while their short stature add some sophistication.
125-Piece Elegant Plates & Cutlery Set, $41.99

Match your gold trimmed napkins and choose this plates and cutlery set for 25 people. Inside, you’ll find forks, spoons, knives, dessert plates and dinner plates.
Creating The Atmosphere#
Sure, you’ve done all of the planning and preparation, but when it comes to day-of festivities, it’s all out of yours hands. Or is it?
When stepping into an event, party invitees are typically expectant of a couple of things, and you as the host can plan for those expectations.
Essentially, people are searching to feel accepted and welcome, and in the wise words of Abraira, they are looking for “good vibes.”
“When you enter somebody’s home, you really want to feel appreciated and feel like the person went out of their way to make everyone feel special,” shared Abraira. “It starts with hosting elements [such as] champagne at the forefront of the festivities, good music [and] good ambience. You want to try to induce as [many] senses as possible.”
Abriara also shared that making your guests feel comfortable is another vital element. This can be facilitated by providing a seating area along with drinks.
“I think the more people sip, the more merrier they [will be],” said Abraira. “That definitely includes [my] partner, GH Champagne, for sure.”
Glitter Champagne Flutes, $38.99

I don’t know about you, but we’re feeling like it’s about to be 2022—and you’re right. So celebrate with some much needed champagne and glitter flutes.
JBL FLIP 5 Waterproof Portable Bluetooth Speaker, $129.95

There’s nothing better than being surrounded by your loved ones and dancing up a storm. So help make that happen with this waterproof and bluetooth JBL speaker. Choose from an array of colors to find your favorite.
LA JOLIE MUSE Dark Berries & Bergamot Scented Candle, $31.88

An atmosphere is often created through smell. If your space smells icky, then guests may become hesitant. Fill your home with warm, welcoming scents, and the night is yours.
Barefoot Bubbly Pink Moscato Sparkling Wine, $9.99

A favorite of ours is this tasty and sweet Barefoot bubbly. It’s a perfect desert wine and won’t break the bank.
Being Safe And Inclusive#
While all of the above are sure to facilitate a great celebration, Abraira couldn’t leave the conversation without her best event planning advice.
“It’s important to be inclusive,” she began. “You may not have the same political views as someone, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate and keep the spirit of appreciating one another at the forefront. And secondly, celebrate safely. With COVID, make sure you’re taking all precautionary measures. And third, you gotta keep the champagne flowing.”
Black Disposable Face Masks, $12.99

Stay safe with this set of 100 three-ply filter masks. They’re light on the face, securely wrap around your ears and won’t mess up your outfit.
Touchland Power Mist, $9

In need of a hydrating and good-smelling hand sanitizer? Or maybe you just want one! Either way, you won’t be disappointed with Touchland’s power mist. Simply spray onto your hands, rub together and enjoy soft, aromatic hands.
Quidel QuickVue at-Home OTC COVID-19 Test Kits, $23.99

If you want to cover all of your bases, this quick, at-home COVID testing kit will do the job. In just 10 minutes, you will receive results perfect for making informed decisions.
Germ-X Original Hand Sanitizer With Pump, $27.99 (originally $36.10)

Each area of your event space can now have its own sanitizing station with these 12 large pumps. Better yet, your guests hands won’t feel dry after using thanks to the moisturizing formula.
For more recommendations, check out the New York Post shopping section.






