Delhi gears up to wrap 2024 with house parties

With New Year’s Eve around the corner, securing a table at a restaurant or a nightclub for a year-end catch-up with friends and family can be quite challenging – thanks to the endless waiting time and traffic jams. So, Delhiites are bringing the party home for NYE with indulgent snack boards, party games and fun themes.

Theme parties and laid-back celebrations start this weekend
With demure and mindful being the buzzwords for the year, many are opting for hassle-free house parties. “Hosting a New Year party is my go-to choice – it’s safer, more economical, and spares us the nightmare of parking on NYE. This year, I’ve planned a 90s retro-themed party. I’ve arranged for chefs to cook for the evening as I want to chill with my friends rather than moving in and out of the kitchen,” says Shikha Chadha, a Pitampura resident.

Janeta Dhanak, who is hosting a pyjama-themed house party, says, “The house will be transformed into a cosy haven with mattresses and canopies, complemented by a potluck of homemade nibbles. Everyone will stay over, share experiences and reflect on what we’re grateful for. It’s a special way for us to celebrate, as our group spans multiple generations.” On the other hand, Suneha Prakash, a dog mom and a regular party host from Gurgaon, says, “With Bollywood music, sizzling barbeque, snuggly pets and bold resolutions, my house party will be a perfect blend of warmth and excitement for new beginnings.”

Turn your house party into one epic game night with a mix of card and cup games (Pics: @cheerspree)

Card and cup games, karaoke to ring in the New Year
What’s a house party without some memorable games? So, Ashmika Gupta, co-founder of Cheer Spree, a games curator company, suggests, “Depending on the number of people, space and the theme of the party, curate a mix of sit-down and moving-around games like treasure hunts. People Bingo is the perfect icebreaker and cup games are always fun. For a house party, games like Kheench Meri Photo, where you hunt for a product based on the clue and click its picture, is super interesting.” ‘Would You Rather the 2025 edition’ can also be a New Year’s Eve party game. Activities like making a vision board for 2025 could make the party more fun.
Grazing platters, grills and cakes: Food is the heart of a party
A go-to food set up that’s popular for house parties is a grazing platter. Mallika Tandon, a food entrepreneur from Shahpur Jat, says, “Grazing boxes have a selection of cheeses, crudités, cold cuts, fresh and dry fruit, crackers and dips and serves four-five per graze. It’s a communal way of having party favourite finger food.” One can also opt for DIY burger boards, mezze platters and sushi boards. She adds, “People have booked December calendar cakes and cakes with messages like ‘no resolutions just cake’ and ‘bye bye 2024’.”

A BBQ party is a hit for NYE house parties. Along with kebabs, tikkas, broccoli, chaap, charred pineapple and biryani are popular items. A spread highlighting South Asian flavours, including some desi Chinese, could be a go-to menu," says, Vandana Tomar, food entrepreneur. "People are gravitating towards hosting larger at-home parties rather than being in a restricted environment or battle traffic jam. For parties, we are getting queries for European spreads with easy-to-eat, fun dishes like spicy maple carrots, truffle and shikate mushroom risottos and more," says Vedika Vats, founder, Homa Caterers.

House party music faves for 2024
Aaj Ki Raat (Stree 2)
Yimmy Yimmy (single by various artistes)
Tauba Tauba (Bad Newz)
APT (Bruno Mars and Rose)
Espresso (Sabrina Carpenter)