Some people plan their New Year’s Eve months in advance, others may be unlucky with plans falling through, and then there’s those people who left it to the last minute and are now wondering what to do.

For those seeking inspiration for ways to bring in the new year in style, look no further than the Oxford Mail's handy guide. 

Host a dinner party at home

New Year’s Eve is one of the busiest nights of the year, with pubs and restaurants often booked out and difficult to reserve unless you have booked early.

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So why not round up a bunch of friends and host a dinner party at home? It’s a great occasion to invite a few friends and family members over to celebrate.

To avoid spending the whole time cooking, you could ask your guests to each bring a dish to contribute to the meal.

If you’re having trouble deciding what to cook, you can check out any number of recipe sites, and even cook a big meal together.

This approach is a money saver.

Plan the year ahead

For those who lean more towards self-reflection than parties and loud noise, New Year’s Eve can be the perfect time to plan your goals for the year ahead.

Maybe you want to lose weight, embark on a new work challenge or discover a new hobby, and New Year’s Eve could present a great opportunity to jot down how you’ll tackle these aims.

Oxford Mail: A person taking notes A person taking notes (Image: Pexels)

The new year offers a new start, as they say, so get thinking.

Stay at home and comfort your pet

Aside from bonfire night, New Year’s Eve is probably the loudest night of the year.

While so many of us use fireworks to welcome in the new year, it is worth remembering that these loud bangs can frighten our furry friends.

A caring, generous way to spend your night might just be to stay in with your cat, dog, hamster or whatever chummy companion you live with.

If you have friends with pets, you could consider inviting them over for a ‘pet party’.

Spend the evening with a loved one who might be alone on New Year’s Eve

Do you have a relative who is likely to be home alone this New Year’s Eve?

Wouldn’t it be wonderful to pay them a visit, cook for them and play a few games?

Your visit could make a huge difference to how that person enters their new year, spinning a lonely outlook into a hopeful future.

If all else fails… Try your luck with the pub. There’s bound to be some room somewhere.

Now that you’ve planned your evening, it’s time to relax, reminisce, enjoy a drink or two and welcome in 2024.

 

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This story was written by Matthew Norman, he joined the team in 2022 as a Facebook community reporter.

Matthew covers Bicester and focuses on finding stories from diverse communities.

Get in touch with him by emailing: Matthew.norman@newsquest.co.uk

Follow him on Twitter: @OxMailMattN1