A New Years Dinner Party With Kids

Holidays

How To Throw A Kid-Friendly (And Adult-Friendly) NYE Party

Written by James Kicinski-McCoy

Photography by Photographed & styled by James Kicinski-McCoy

Dec 26, 2016

When you think of New Year’s Eve and kids, the first thing that often comes to mind is how on earth your going to find a babysitter. While that may ring true for some, it definitely doesn’t have to. We searched Anthropologie’s wide selection of offerings (and a couple from its sister-store Terrain) to create an incredible dinner party spread for your family and friends—and the kids—all while keeping true to your grown-up, decor style. Our kid-friendly tabletop will keep your tots busy and smiling, so the adults can enjoy some good conversation, delicious food, and a toast to 2017! Need convincing? Click into our gallery below to see how we pulled it off.

This post is brought to you by Mother + Anthropologie.

: A kid- and adult-friendly New Year's Eve dinner party spread that is sure to please all, young and old!

: We sat our kids at the head of the table, giving them plenty of wiggle-room to move and shake, next to their parents. This not only gives families a bit of space throughout the evening, but also has the adults seated across from one another for primo conversation time.

: We bundled New Year's horns, greens, and a few sparklers atop our napkins for a fun and festive addition.
From left to right: Reclaimed Teak Cutting Board, $88, Terrian; Vika Sky Flatware, $48, Anthropologie; Mango Side Plate, $32, Anthropologie; Rustic Linen Napkins, set of 4, $108, Anthropologie; Cindered DOF Glass $7.95, Anthropologie; Amparo Champagne Flute, $12, Anthropologie.

: We chose a beautiful centerpiece of peach spray roses, white lisianthus, red pin cushion protea, burgundy scabiosa, heather, genestra, bay leaves, magnolia, seeded eucalyptus, and kochia in our arrangement.
Flowers by Kelly Ross of A Village Of Flowers.

: Our kids' seating donned a similar set-up, but much more fun. Instead of sparklers, we tied snowball lollipops into the mix for a sweet treat and gave each child a special beaded headband to help them feel extra fancy and festive.
From left to right: Farmhouse Rectangle Teak Board, $32, Terrian; Coloring Paper Table Runner, $24.95, Anthropologie; Mango Side Plate, $32, Anthropologie; Rustic Linen Napkins, set of 4, $108, Anthropologie; Snowball Lollipops, set of 4, $16, Anthropologie; Lop-Eared Rabbit, $40, Anthropologie; Cindered DOF Glass $7.95, Anthropologie; Velvet Crown Headband, $24, Anthropologie.

Our table runner doubles as a giant coloring page that both the kids and adults can enjoy—just add crayons.
Coloring Paper Table Runner, $24.95, Anthropologie; Velvet Crown Headband, $24, Anthropologie.

Super Bunny and any other favorite stuffed guests are welcome.
Lop-Eared Rabbit, $40, Anthropologie.

We served beautiful and delicious finger-foods that any kid (and adult!) would want to devour. These cucumber bites with dill creme fraiche, watermelon radish, fresh chive, lemon zest, and smoked salt were a hit!
Catering provided by The Food Co.

"New Year’s Eve is always about extra special ingredients, since it’s a slightly more glamorous holiday. On restaurant menus, you always see champagne, lobster, caviar, truffles, etc., which aren't super kid-friendly. One idea that could be really fun to make it special for both kids and grown-ups at home is an interactive station with lots of toppings on grilled cheese or flatbread. You could still include specialty items for the adults like great cheeses, truffle oil, fig jam, prosciutto, shrimp or lobster, etc., but also have things the kids love. It’s always fun to see what everyone comes up with, then share, taste, and compare notes. Kids get to be a little creative and may even give something new a try!" - Molly Martin of The Food Co.
Reclaimed Teak Cutting Board, $88, Terrian.

"I love the idea of fresh, light colored flowers on a New Year's table. To me, it signifies a fresh, new, healthy beginning. Having something interesting and creative in front of you while you share a meal with people you care about can inspire new ideas and conversation, which I think is super important!" - Kelly Ross of A Village Of Flowers.

More finger foods: bacon-wrapped dates and rosemary roasted root vegetable skewers. Yum!
Catering provided by The Food Co. From left to right: Vika Sky Flatware, $48, Anthropologie; Faceted Votive, $12, Anthropologie; Fir & Firewood Capri Blue Votives, set of 6, $18, Anthropologie; Mango Side Plate, $32, Anthropologie; Rustic Linen Napkins, set of 4, $108, Anthropologie; Facile Platter, $118, Anthropologie; Cindered DOF Glass $7.95, Anthropologie; Amparo Champagne Flute, $12, Anthropologie.

A nearby bowl of confetti poppers, to fire-off once the meal is complete.
From left to right: Mango Side Plate, $32, Anthropologie; Rustic Linen Napkins, set of 4, $108, Anthropologie; Coloring Paper Table Runner, $24.95, Anthropologie; Facile Platter, $118, Anthropologie; Wilcoxson Brooklyn Bowl, $36, Anthropologie; Vika Sky Flatware, $48, Anthropologie.

Such a pretty setup that's not too kiddie!

More beautiful booms.
Flowers by Kelly Ross of A Village Of Flowers.

A sweet beaded bunny headband.
From left to right: Vika Sky Flatware, $48, Anthropologie; Mango Side Plate, $32, Anthropologie; Rustic Linen Napkins, set of 4, $108, Anthropologie; Snowball Lollipops, set of 4, $16, Anthropologie; Reclaimed Teak Cutting Board, $88, Terrian; Coloring Paper Table Runner, $24.95, Anthropologie; Cindered DOF Glass $7.95, Anthropologie; Bunny Ears Headband, $24, Anthropologie.

Subtle gold-metallic accents are the perfect New Year's touch.
Cindered DOF Glass $7.95, Anthropologie; Bunny Ears Headband, $24, Anthropologie.

A gorgeous (and delicious!) winter salad of mixed greens with candied pecans, gorgonzola cheese, and pomegranate seeds with balsamic dressing.
Catering provided by The Food Co. From left to right: Ore-Edged Serving Bowl, $36, Anthropologie; Gilded Cornet Serving Utensils, $28, Anthropologie; Coloring Paper Table Runner, $24.95, Anthropologie; Mango Side Plate, $32, Anthropologie; Rustic Linen Napkins, set of 4, $108, Anthropologie; Snowball Lollipops, set of 4, $16, Anthropologie; Reclaimed Teak Cutting Board, $88, Terrian; Vika Sky Flatware, $48, Anthropologie; Cindered DOF Glass $7.95, Anthropologie; Bunny Ears Headband, $24, Anthropologie.

Fir & Firewood scented votives for a little ambiance.
Faceted Votive, $12, Anthropologie; Fir & Firewood Capri Blue Votives, set of 6, $18, Anthropologie; Candlefish Matches, $6, Anthropologie.

Bubbles for the adults and a non-alcoholic sparkling cider for the kids. Cheers!

For more dinner party decor items visit Anthropologie.com.