Cheese platters, games and upcycling decor: How to celebrate New Year’s Eve on a budget

Skip the dinners at expensive diners on NYE. You don't even have to cook an elaborate five-course meal for your guests either.

According to Shivani Sharma, Chef and Founder, Bliss Bites, UAE, "A buffet, a grazing table is a delicious setup which is also appealing. It gives gratification to the person to get enticed with only fabulous cheeses and small bites. creating a hassle-free set up which allows people to mingle with each other over small nibbles." Sharma suggests dipping cheese cubes in jams and serving them on biscuits and also making cheese donuts.

You can try a frosted lemonade. You just need to mix lemon juice in a pitcher. Add water to dilute and leave it to chill. In a blender, you can add lemonade and ice-cream. Add a few slices of lemon and serve. “There are many fruit-based beverages that you can try making,” says Shivi Sharma, another UAE-based event planner. “Use your fresh fruits like blueberries and watermelons; it can really serve up a refreshing drink,” she says.

Try upcycling old decorations too as part of your theme. Sharma has a few ideas to share. You can have fun by shredding old wrapping paper and using it as confetti, when the clock strikes twelve. You can even take out your Christmas decorations again and use them for the party. You can reuse the lights again, she says. “Another idea, is to use old CD’s for decoration. It can give your home a very intriguing retro theme, too.”