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Hosting a New Year’s Eve party and have no idea where to start? Get your plans rolling with these helpful tips and find out what it takes to throw the best New Year’s Eve party.

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A great party starts with the right ambience. Set the mood with the Philips Hue smart light bulb starter kit. This kit lets you experiment with limitless lighting possibilities right from your smartphone. Are you going for a gold and red colour theme? Set the lights to give off an alluring crimson glow or vibrant sunflower hue. You can also take your lighting a step further with the Philips Hue LightStrip. The LightStrip can be shaped, bent, and cut to size so you can highlight every nook and cranny of your home.

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If I walked into a party and saw blankets of velvety fog hovering above the ground, I’d think, “Wow, this is the coolest party EVER”. If you agree, look into the American DJ fog machine. This fog machine is a cinch to operate and helps give your space a cool club vibe.

I’m sure 2015 was a year full of accomplishments and meaningful experiences for you. Why not celebrate these highlights at your party? Get your guests to send you their favourite photos from the past year and put them in a slideshow showcased on this spectacular 55″ Samsung 4K TV. Not only will your guests love seeing their snapshots in stunning 4K, they’ll also get to relive their most special memories. When it’s time for the countdown, switch on the TV and watch the iconic Times Square ball drop. Featuring an incredible 3840 x 2160 resolution, this TV will make you feel as if you were actually in New York City.

Music to your ears

Want to know the key ingredient to a successful fiesta? Music. That’s why you’ll need a hefty supply of fresh party tunes and the Sonos PLAY:5 speaker. Feauturing six drivers with dedicated amplifiers, the PLAY:5 packs a serious punch and produces powerful, room-filling sound to keep your guests dancing all night long. You can also pair multiple PLAY:5s together to enjoy seamless multi-room audio.

When a party gets too busy, I like retreating tCapture.JPGo the patio to mingle with friends or get a breath of fresh air. But just because I’m taking a break from the party doesn’t mean I want a break from the music. Keep your outdoor space grooving with the Ultimate Ears MEGABOOM wireless speaker. Shockproof and waterproof, this rugged speaker is built to endure outdoor conditions while delivering crisp, vibrant sound.

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Normally, I’m self-conscious about my voice. But give me a few glasses of wine and I’m ready to belt out Journey’s “Don’t Stop Believin’”.  If your guests are like me, there’s nothing better to have on hand than the Singing Machine karaoke system. Download the Singing Machine Mobile Karaoke app on your iOS device and enjoy a wide selection of songs or wirelessly stream tunes from your Bluetooth-compatible devices.

Keep the munchies and drinks flowing
A good host nekegfridge.JPGver lets their guests go hungry. If cooking isn’t your forte, try serving snacks that require minimal effort. The Cuisinart popcorn maker can pump out 10 cups of buttery popcorn in mere minutes, while the Crock-Pot smart slow cooker lets you easily whip up creamy spinach and artichoke dip.

A good host also ensures there’s not an empty glass in sight. Get the cocktails flowing with the Margaritaville Bahamas frozen drink maker. When midnight rolls around, serve your finest champagne in these elegant Bormioli Rocco champagne flutes. Tapping a keg at your shindig? The Danby keg refrigerator is sure to impress. This special fridge keeps beer icy cold and includes a convenient dispenser and CO2 tank to keep your brew carbonated.

Games to entertain

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Chances are, not all your guests will want to bust a move on the dance floor or drink copious amounts of margaritas. Keep your low-key guests entertained with fun games like Werewolf or Twister. When I throw a party, I always have Jenga ready to go. I recently got to play a life-sized version of Jenga and had a blast wiggling out wooden blocks the size of my forearm. If you’re big into this stacking game too, consider getting the giant version.

Still looking for more inspiration? Find the perfect party supplies by checking out Best Buy’s wide selection of small kitchen appliances, multi-room audio, smart lights, and board games, cards, and puzzles.

(Photos courtesy of New Frontiers School Board and The M Resort)

Melissa Li
I’m a Best Buy copywriter, travel blogger, and world explorer. I’ve visited 40 countries so far and hope to inspire you to do the same. You’ll most likely find me eating Japanese ramen, hiking to the top of a scenic lookout, hanging out with my cat, or relaxing on the beach.