Let’s consider how we each choose to celebrate our traditions in the places we call home. Apartment living can look a bit different when celebrating a holiday with shared amenity spaces, numerous neighbors, and finding room to host.

New Year's Eve has become quite an event over the years. The typical New Year’s Eve events stem around large parties, going out, and big crowds just awaiting the final hour of the year. New Year's Eve does not always have to result in a major night out. I would love to share a few ways to ring in the new year at your Camden community.

Before the clock strikes midnight, grab your sparkly outfits, champagne, and favorite snack because we are staying in this year!

Host a Watch Party

With the NYC Times Square Ball Drop occurring every year, this is a great way to gather your friends and family in your home for an evening of fun. Request that your guests come over dressed for the festivities with their favorite snack or drink and get ready to enjoy the yearly celebration (minus the chilly temperatures). This way you do not have to wait in lines throughout the night to watch the ball drop and can be in bed early if you choose! If not, you can keep the celebration going into the evening with music and games.

In this scenario, you can also reserve your community’s clubhouse to host your event if you have a significant amount of people coming. Reach out to your office team for more information.

Camden Tempe's Resident Lounge is ready for you and your guests! Ask your community team how to reserve a space like this for your get-togethers!

Host a Dinner Party

Dining out can be crazy expensive nowadays. Why not host your friends and family with a lovely dinner at home this year? It’s like Thanksgiving but even better because you are celebrating the start of a new year for everyone.

Prepare your favorite cocktails (or mocktail if you are not drinking) and find a new recipe to try out. Make it an appetizer night or homemade pizzas to keep it simple, or go all out with pork, black-eyed peas, collard greens or any of the supposedly “lucky foods” for a happy new year. You can also ask your guests to bring a board of choice or a platter of food to make this dinner party a potluck (less cooking for you and more time to spend with each other).

Don’t forget to make sure your appliances are operational before you start prepping for your dinner party. Enter a service request if they are not working properly and your maintenance team will be happy to assist.

Have a Self-Care Night

Not a fan of large gatherings? Take the evening to have a little ‘me’ time with a self-care Sunday this year. Grab your favorite at-home spa kit, a face mask, and your favorite book to cozy up on the sofa or your patio under the stars (or fireworks... it is New Year's Eve, after all). While letting your face mask soak in, you can grab a pen and paper to write down your New Year’s resolutions for the upcoming year. It is great to set intentions for the year ahead. This is something to hold yourself accountable and motivate you to make it happen this year.

Enjoy a spa-like evening with a nice bath and your favorite self-care activities. Photo courtesy of Camden Tempe

Make it a Movie or Game Night

Rent or buy your favorite movies for the evening and invite your friends to join the fun. Set up a pallet of blankets with some cozy pillows, grab the popcorn and sodas, and turn the TV on. If you want to get your competitive side out to start the new year, board games or card games are also a must-have item for an exemplary game night. This kind of night is a great alternative to going out if you still want to spend time with your loved ones but are not invested in celebrating the holiday. Don’t forget to log who won for the 2024 bragging rights.

No matter how you and your posse decide to celebrate the upcoming year at home, remember to soak in the time with them. Welcome them in and cherish the memories that are made. Pop some bubbly, grab your friends, and let’s ring in the new year at your Camden community!