Teen-Approved Ways to Celebrate the New Year

New Year's Eve is almost here, which presents a problem for parents of teens. Your child is too young to ring in the New Year at a bar but wants to celebrate the big event. It's time to turn your kid-friendly festivities into a teen-approved bash. From finger foods to age-appropriate drinks, here's everything you need to throw a fun New Year's Eve party for teens.

Source: Shutterstock

Set the Scene

Set the Scene

New Year's Eve is all about the sparkle and shine! Look for gold and silver balloons, streamers, and tablecloths. For some added shimmer, build a sequined wall like the one from Oh Happy Day.

Source: Oh Happy Day

Say "Cheese!"

Say "Cheese!"

Not only does the sequined wall add to the decor, but it doubles as the background for a photo booth. Teens can use items they own and print props online, or purchase some professional ones from Etsy.

Serve Some Apps

Serve Some Apps

What teen doesn't love mac and cheese? Especially when it's fried. These bite-size snacks from I Heart Naptime are the perfect appetizers.

Sip Something Sparkly

Sip Something Sparkly

Mocktails provide the same sophistication as cocktails but without the booze. These Frost Bite Mocktails are a festive, fruity, and fresh drink that teens will love.

Pour the Punch

Pour the Punch

For a drink you can serve from a bowl, try Martha Stewart's apple cider cranberry ginger punch. Combining all of the season's best flavors, it's the perfect drink for a party.

Make Delicious Dishes

Make Delicious Dishes

Teens don't want to balance a plate and utensils. Sliders, veggie platters, and chips and dips make for a perfect party menu.

Sing a Song
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Sing a Song

Music is a must at any party, but take it to the next level with a karaoke machine. You don't even have to pay big bucks for this entertainment. Just download any of these sing-along apps to your tablet and buy a few microphones for a fun evening.

Record Your Resolutions

Record Your Resolutions

As much as we love our teens, they could always use a little improvement. Decorate coffee or oatmeal cans for each guest to fill with their New Year's resolutions. When the year comes to an end, they can open them to see what they achieved.

Snack on Sweets

Snack on Sweets

Teens love their sweets. While you could easily serve store-bought goodies, these chocolate peanut butter cupcakes are a decadent, easy-to-make treat.

Source: Lauren Hendrickson

Toss the Confetti

Toss the Confetti

When the clock strikes 12, let the confetti fall! Fill balloons with confetti, hang them, and let guests pop them at midnight.

Source: Shutterstock

Give a Parting Gift

Give a Parting Gift

Don't let guests leave empty handed. Make these resolution bracelets from Crafts Unleashed to remind teens what they hope to change in the New Year.