Teen New Years Eve Party Ideas 2009

Teenage New Year's Dance or Party Planning, Tips & Fun Activities

© Janienne Jennrich

Dec 4, 2007

Ready to ring in the New Year for 2009? Parents want their teens to have fun on New Year's Eve, while still staying safe. Following are tips and ideas for a super fun and successful event.

Theme Ideas for a 2009 Teen New Year's Event

• New Year's Eve colors can set the tone. Silver and white, black and white, red and black, or bright, fun colors are all theme ideas.
• A theme of "Nostalgia" (which might be as recent as the 1980's or 1990's for teens) or a time in history (Victorian, 1950's, etc) make clever themes.
• Purchased party goods can set the theme and colors.
• For a smaller affair at home, consider a game night, movie night, or slumber party theme.
• For larger events, announce the dress code on invitations (formal vs. casual, in keeping with a theme)

Decorating Ideas for a New Year's Eve Party or Teen Dance

• Brainstorm decor ideas based on the theme.
• Decide between formal or fun decorations. Picking one or the other will pull the party decor together.
• Balloons are a must. Silver, black, white, and jewel tones are more formal. Bright colors like lime green and yellow are more informal.
• New Year's is the time to go over the top with glitz and glitter. If *sparkle* is the theme, go crazy.
• Remember the "Happy New Year" banners.

Activities for a Teenager New Year's Eve Event

• Don't overbook the event with activities. Often, socializing and dancing are plenty.
• If DJ is used, he or she will often create fun with the music. The Casper Slide, the Macarena, and the Limbo are examples.
• The teens will have their own great ideas; Just ask.
• Hire a professional photographer for formal photos or set up a nice background where teens can take pictures.
• Provide plenty of seating and tables for resting and conversation.
• New Year's centerpieces should be full of sparkle. Consider giving them as door prizes.
• Set up snacks and drinks (especially ice water) for hungry and thirsty teenagers.
• Remember noisemakers and confetti for the big moment.

Music and Song Selection Ideas

• A professional DJ will know fun songs teens enjoy. Request what is appropriate for your group, however (i.e. a 'clean-lyrics' eclectic mix, oldies, dance songs, or soft rock).
• A student DJ may be found among the teens or at a local college.
• A group of teens may enjoy getting together and set up music on an MP3 player. Larger halls often have a sound system to hook into.
• For some events, a live band may work. Check rules about live music.

Maintaining Safety at Teen Dances or Parties

• Have plenty of responsible parent chaperones on hand.
• Responsible adults at entrances & exits will keep teens from wandering off.
• Keep a list with parent phone numbers in case of emergency.
• Provide a safe place for purses, coats and valuables.
• Make sure everyone has a safe plan to get home, or make bus or sleepover arrangements.
• If appropriate to your group of teens, consider making the event a family celebration.

For related ideas, read Teen Christmas Party or Dance Tips and Best New Year's Eve Party Themes. Also see Easy 4 Ingredient Holiday Cookies.

A New Year's Eve dance or party is a fun way for teenagers to say goodbye to the old year and celebrate the new one with friends. With planning and special touches, a teen New Year's event will sparkle with excitement.

New Year's Party Hats

Party Lights Photo

Party Plates from Oriental Trading

Happy New Year 2009

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