We can almost hear the chiming of the clock already, knocking down those final seconds till the whole world goes crazy. Practically nowhere is exempt from a New Year’s Eve bash, either crowded tight beneath a city skyline or chilling at home with close friends and family, the air rich with goodwill.
If you have the space, an outdoor party is the ideal way to roll out the carpet for 2017. But how should you prepare such a shindig? Instashade will show you the ropes with our New Year essentials…
Extensive seating plans
For some reason, we doubt that a handful of deck chairs will cut it when your garden or patio is crammed to the hilt. Neighbours can bring their own seats over, true, but it’ll keep you in good stead to buy several wooden benches to put at the rim of your party environs.
Circular arrangements are great if you want a separate ‘crash zone’ to one side where people can hunch and chat in private. Just don’t do the same right in the centre of your gathering, as it’ll get messy with weaving bodies and precariously placed drinks.
Fire pit heaven
Speaking of circular features, fire pits are an incredible statement piece, and they’ll keep everyone toasty through the night. Some stand fairly high on four legs, sort of like a BBQ, while others are far grander, set low and wide like a volcanic well. A few even come in abstract shells that resemble a weird, Dali-esque egg, or with flowery side guards.
Your tastes will dictate just what’ll put the seal on your outdoor décor. For our part, we reckon the stone-rimmed fire pit – the classic sort that made a name for itself in this country – is just right for any setup.
Overhead cover
Being British, our natural inclination is to squint at every passing cloud for signs of rain. And it really is hard to predict what the weather’s going to give us, which makes it vital to protect your party guests from a wash-out. This is the only night of the year, after all, in which the stroke of 12 carries such heartfelt insanity – make the most of it!
To do so, perch a parasol over where you think the thickest social areas will be. Instashade’s Aurora series is more than ready for the challenge: resistant to water and strong winds, it’s supported by a stand off to one side, removing the problem of people knocking into it.
All that’s left to do is bring in a big fireworks haul, clear a section of your garden, and form an assembled throng of heads that are all looking at you, The New Year’s host. The glittering aftershocks of smoke hitting the sky will make you turn and gaze proudly on what you’ve accomplished – with a quality canopy draped over it all! Have a peek at the rest of Instashade’s parasol range to round off your celebrations.
