With so many holiday projects and party plans already on my mind, I didn’t want New Year’s Eve to get overlooked. Here are seven festive, easy DIY ideas you can put together quickly to make your NYE celebration shine.
I collaborated again with ASTROBRIGHTS® Papers to bring colorful, playful crafts perfect for ringing in the new year. This roundup leans bright and bold while still keeping some classic metallic sparkle—plus a few holographic balloons for extra fun.
I like using non-traditional colors for parties, and this setup blends a little glam with cheerful hues. For this party I paired silver metallic accents with two Astrobrights shades I love: Rocket Red and Pulsar Pink. With that palette in place, I got to work on the DIYs. Below are seven simple projects you can recreate for your next NYE gathering.
1. Color-Blocked Gift Wrap
Use the scraps left from cutting holes for a photo booth backdrop to make a striking patterned wrap. Start by wrapping the gift in a single-color sheet, then secure a strip of punched-paper scraps across it with tape or glue. The layered color blocks look modern and make any present feel special.
2. Seeing-Stripes Party Hats
Cut narrow strips of colored paper and glue them side by side onto a larger backing sheet. After the glue dries, trace and cut a party-hat template, assemble the hat, and trim it down if you prefer a smaller shape. Finish each hat with a little tinsel pom for sparkle.
3. Patterned Paper Bowls
Take paper bowls and draw designs directly on them with soft pastels or colored pencils. Spray with a fixative to prevent smudging. These decorated bowls are perfect for holding small gifts, candy, or party favors, and they add a handmade touch to your table decor.
4. Colorful Confetti Tubes
Fill small mailing tubes with leftover tinsel and confetti, then wrap them in bright paper and tie the ends with tinsel to resemble little party parcels. At midnight guests can tear off one end to unleash the confetti for a joyful, colorful countdown moment.
5. Seeing-Spots Photo Booth Backdrop
Create a playful polka-dot backdrop by punching 3.5-inch circles from Rocket Red and Pulsar Pink paper and attaching them to the wall with washi tape. Positioning balloons nearby adds a mirrored, reflective effect that enhances the dotted pattern and creates a fun photo setting for guests.
6. NYE Countdown Cocktails
Make countdown glassware by adding number stickers to glasses—easy and festive. For an effortless NYE cocktail, try sorbet and champagne: drop one or two scoops of sorbet (raspberry or blood orange work particularly well) into a glass and top with champagne. It’s bubbly, slightly sweet, and instantly celebratory.
7. DIY Tinsel Tassels
Use leftover tinsel to craft tassels that boost the party’s metallic vibe. Fold several strands together, tie them near the top with another piece of tinsel, then loop a second strand through the fold so you have a loop for hanging. These lightweight tassels can be strung across doorways, tablescapes, or photo backdrops.
Photography by Amelia Tatnall Lawrence
Styling by Brittni Mehlhoff
How will you celebrate New Year’s Eve this year? Will you host a small gathering, throw a big party, or keep it cozy? These DIYs are flexible enough to suit any style—mix and match ideas to fit your space and guest list.
—
This post was created in partnership with Astrobrights. I’ve been an ambassador for the brand and have used their papers for years. Thank you for supporting the companies that help keep Paper & Stitch going.