I would call the party for about 5:00, so the kids have time to play before dinner.  Dinner could be at 5:45 and then a New Year's countdown around 6:15.  Then everyone would hit the road around 6:30.  (I've found that an hour and half works well for parties with younger kids.  You can have a longer or later party depending on the ages of the kids at your party!)

New Year's Eve Party Invitations

Party411 has a great selection of personalized New Year's Invitations.  Our whimsical ticket Invitations are also great fun. 

If your child is "hosting" the party, then ask them to help with the invitations.  Print up invitations on white cardstock and ask your kids to help add sparkles.  Or, let them color on the invitation.  They will love helping!

New Year's Party Decorations

As the kids arrive, give the girls Happy New Year Tiaras and the boys Gold New Year's Top Hats. Or choose from a New Year's Party Kit that includes noisemaker, hats and tiaras.  The Forty Second Street kit is bright and colorful! Finally, everyone (including you!) needs a pair of Gold and Silver 2008 Glasses.

There are some great scene setters available to create a mood.  A 5 foot Happy New Year sign brightens up the room. And, add New Year's 24" Swirls hanging from the ceiling.

I would have bright balloon bouquets around the room.  You can buy these at a local party store (be sure to call ahead so your order is ready) or you can buy a helium tank and New Year balloons and make them yourself!

Decorations are another great place to get kids involved.  Make a large welcome banner and have them help color in the letters.  If they are older, they can paint the sign themselves!

For more great decorating ideas visit New Year's Decorating411.

Tables

Depending on the ages of the kids you are inviting, you might want to bring in small tables and chairs to make them more comfortable.  Even the picnic table they use in the summer will work.

Centerpieces can be an Enchanting balloon centerpiece or a light up silver New Year's Top Hat.  Then sprinkle some metallic confetti around the tables.

Bright New Year's Paper Goods add color to the room and are easy to clean up!  And, with kids, you won't need to worry about anything breaking.

Menu

Your menu certainly doesn't need to be fancy for a kid's New Year's party.  We all know how picky they can be! So, choose foods they will eat!  I would make whatever you serve seem extra special for the holiday! 

• Kids eat hot dogs, right?  Why not have mini pigs in a blanket?
• Serving grilled cheese or PB&J?  Use cookie cutters to cut the sandwiches into fun, festive shapes.
• Serve their juice in a a silver cup.

New Year's Kids Activities

Have a New Year's countdown about an hour into the party.  A Balloon Drop will get everyone cheering.  Pass out glasses of sparkling apple juice in plastic wine glasses!  Don't forget to have serpentines ready for the kids to throw and Champagne Bubbles -they will love these!

We've also got a list of other New Year's games for kids in our games section.

New Year's Party Favors

Everyone will love getting their picture taken at the party.  Have a Polaroid camera on hand and take pictures of the kids with their faces behind the "0"s of a 2008 photo op and pass out pictures to the kids.  An inexpensive frame makes a great favor.

The kids will love getting a personalized New Year's candy bar!

It will be an evening (or afternoon!) to remember! Trust me!!

New Year's Eve Party Planning and Decorating Ideas from Party411.com

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New Year's Eve Creations for You

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New Year's Eve Party Games

New Year's Activities for Kids

See the Party Girl's New Year's Eve Games Advice

Great New Year's Eve Party Themes

Crazy 8s Party - A 2008 celebration

New Year's Comes Early For Kids!
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New Year's Fantabuloso Fiesta 

New Year's Eve Casino Royale

New Year’s Eve Mardi Gras Celebration 

Happy New Year!

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Midnight at the Oasis

Midnight Cowboy

Midnight Train to Georgia

Midnight Mayhem

Snow, Snow and More Snow

What to Do On New Year's Day

When the Clock Strikes Midnight

Alien New Year's

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