11 Fun Ways To Celebrate New Year’s Eve at Home On Your Own
Are you spending New Year’s Eve alone this year? From hosting a virtual games night with loved ones across the country or globe to cocktail-making kits, there are plenty of ways you can see in 2024 from the comfort of your own home.
Just because you’d rather spend New Year’s Eve at home doesn’t mean that it can’t still be an evening full of fellowship, fun, food and reflection.
Need some inspiration? Take a look at some of the things you can do below…
1. Challenge yourself to read a book
If you’re a fast reader but haven’t had time to pick something up lately, imagine what you could do with a day or even an evening on your own. Maybe don’t pick up something hefty like War And Peace, but something significantly shorter could easily be doable for speedy page-turners. For slower readers, the evening is still an opportunity to start a new book and carry it on into the new year. Perhaps see it as a head start on your New Year’s Resolution of reading more.
2. Tune into a virtual event
Choose from virtual firework displays in London, a comedy evening that will brighten up your night in an instant, or watching the famous New York Times Square Ball Drop, all from your computer or smart TV. You could even get a group of loved ones together via Zoom or Microsoft Teams and all watch a virtual event together – you will need to share a screen to do this.
3. Play a virtual game
A virtual party game — whether it’s a family quiz or bingo — is a great way to keep the spirits high and connect with loved ones. Simply download a video conferencing app, such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Skype, and get the whole family celebrating New Year’s Eve together. Not sure what ones to play? Why not try virtual Bingo, a fun quiz or Charades.
4. Host a virtual cocktail night
If you’re a party person but your friends or loved ones don’t live close by, then raise a glass to 2024 with a virtual cocktail night. Simply make sure everyone gets their ingredients beforehand, choose an easy-to-follow recipe (we love this Christmas cocktail made with mulled wine), design your Zoom background and let the fun commence. Cheers!
“If you’re feeling daring and want to lead the cocktail-making session on the call, you could even try a few nifty tricks and test out your mixologist skills,” Jess Martin, expert party planner at Ginger Ray, says. “Make your drinks that little bit extra by adding a showstopper decoration, such as a sparkler.”
5. Do something that sparks joy
From indulging in a movie marathon to soaking up nature, why not do something that brings you joy without being weighed down by guilt. Top tip: take a digital detox over the New Year period. It will give you the headspace to focus on what makes you happy, while providing you with a break from the often anxiety-inducing news.
6. Volunteer
If you’re able to, try volunteering locally at food banks, nursing homes or animal shelters. Sadly, many have struggled this year, so giving back to those in need is a great way to spread joy. Always call in advance, as some volunteering opportunities may require prior notice.
Looking for other ways to make a difference on New Year’s? Take a look at some of the things you can do below…
7. Relax
Who says New Year’s Eve can’t involve relaxing? Set aside some time for yourself, whether that’s running a hot bubbly bath, watching your favourite movie or slipping on walking boots and heading out on a winter walk. Put the phone away and enjoy a relaxing guilt-free evening.
8. Book yourself into a hotel
Just because you’re on your own at home, doesn’t mean your home can’t be a ‘home away from home’. We’ve rounded up the very best country retreat hotels you could escape to for the night, from the grand and historic to the contemporary and chic. If you’ve got your heart set on the Cotswolds, make Ellenborough Park Hotel your go-to, which also has dog-friendly rooms. For the New Forest, we recommend checking into the ever-charming Montagu Arms.
9. Plan your next holiday
If, like many of us, you’ve been too busy to really get into the nitty-gritty of looking into all the details of that dream trip you’ve been talking about for a while now, make New Year’s Eve your night. You’ll have time to do some proper, uninterrupted research online, compare deals and flight prices and times, and best of all, look for some incredible hotels. January is the most popular time to book a holiday, as people are feeling the post-Christmas blues, so get ahead of everyone else and get planning.
10. Binge-watch a series
New Year’s Eve is a great time to binge-watch trending shows. Notable series you may have missed this year include adaptations in the form of The Last of Us and Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. Or why not catch up with the final episodes of Succession or The Crown?
For fans of horror or a good scare, Netflix’s The Fall of the House of Usher will no doubt be at the top of your list. If crime is more your thing, police drama set in Northern Ireland, Blue Lights, might be more up your street. We also enjoyed The Long Shadow, based on the five-year manhunt for the serial killer known as the Yorkshire Ripper.
11. Print off some photos
We live in an ever-increasing digital world, and although we take more photos than ever before, we print off and frameless. Plenty of apps and websites can take photos straight from your phone, print them and post them to you.
You could make a phonebook of snaps from 2023, or from a special holiday this year, or create a gift for a 2024 birthday. If you’ve got just a few pictures in mind that you want specific frames for, some brands, like Addison Ross who sell luxury but affordable frames, include a free photo of your own choice when you buy a frame, you just need to upload the photo to the site, which is rather straight forward.
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9 blankets with sleeves to keep you warm and cosy
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
Navy Oodie
Now 100% Off
This original Oodie blanket in navy blue has a soft flannel fleece on the outside and warm sherpa fleece on the inside. Ideal for keeping warm when the temperatures tumble, it’s an investment buy that will last you year after year.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
The Snuggler – Heated Throw with Sleeves and Foot Pouch
Now 20% Off
Feel the cold easily? This super soft heated throw from Lakeland boasts long sleeves, a cosy pouch and three temperature settings to keep you warm. Perfect for curling up on the sofa on chilly evenings.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
Snuggle Blanket Hoodie
Now 74% Off
Curl up on a cold night with The White Company’s extra cosy blanket with sleeves. With an all-over fuzzy texture and large kangaroo pocket, it’s a great layering piece for when the temperature drops.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
Hi-Pile Oversized Lounge Hoodie, Grey
Snuggling up (and staying warm) just got easier thanks to John Lewis’ oversized lounge hoodie in grey. Made from thermal fleece to give a softer and luxurious feel, it has a snug hooded neckline and long arms.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
Silentnight Snugsie Wearable Blanket
The best thing about this blanket with sleeves is that it comes with a foot pocket. Created to help you stay snug and cosy, it is also supersized and cleverly transforms into a cushion once you’ve finished wearing it.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
Dotty Pink Oversized Hoodie
This hooded blanket will keep you extra cosy this winter. Available to buy for just £18, it comes in one size and features a pink dotty design.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
Bedsure Wearable Blanket with Sleeves
Working from home? Don’t sit down at your desk without this long wearable blanket with sleeves. Features include a large front pocket, roomy sleeves for extra flexibility and its neck-to-toe coverage thanks to its 17o-200cm measurement.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
marks Teddy Fleece Hooded Blanket
Keep warm on a winter’s day with this fleece from M&S. Complete with a fluffy hood and deep pocket, it cleverly traps in body heat, allowing you to stay cosy while turning down the heating.
The Best Blankets With Sleeves
Hoodie Blanket Reversible Oversized Ultra Plush Sherpa
You essentially get two different styles for the price of one with this reversible option from B&Q. One side is a sweet pink colour, while the other side is a cosy off-white hue.
Deputy Daily Editor, Country Living and House Beautiful
Lisa Joyner is the Deputy Daily Editor at House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, where she’s busy writing about home and interiors, gardening, dog breeds, pets, health and wellbeing, countryside news, small space inspiration, and the hottest properties on the market. Previously, she has written for Conde Nast Traveller, House & Garden and Marie Claire magazine. Lisa studied at University For The Creative Arts, where she completed a BA in Fashion Journalism.
Ellis Cochrane is a Freelance Contributor for House Beautiful UK and Country Living UK, covering everything from expert tips and tricks, to gardening advice, product roundups and the newest properties to hit the market. Ellis has been writing about homes, interiors and gardens for four years now, and her work has also been published on Ideal Home, Prima and Elle Japan. Over the years, Ellis has also written at a number of publications such as Cosmopolitan, Tyla, Daily Express, Expert Reviews UK, Stylist and IndyBest, covering beauty and style, TV and films, books and celebrity news. Ellis studied at the University of Strathclyde, where she completed a Joint BA Hons Degree in English and Politics. Follow Ellis on Instagram at @ellistuesday.
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