5 Special Ways To Celebrate New Year's Eve At Home With Your Partner

We're counting down the days till the end of this year and, just like everyone else, making plans for New Year's Eve. The biggest dilemma, of course, is going out or staying in... I know what you're thinking - it's not really New Year's Eve until there is a sexy dress, champagne and loud music involved. But if you and your partner just don't want to deal with the traffic this year, here are a few ideas that can still make this 31st a very special night of togetherness.

1. Camping in the backyard

I'll be the first one to admit that outdoorsy things are just not my cup of tea. But this is actually a good way to have the best of both worlds, if you're lucky enough to live in a house that has its own backyard or a garden. You'll be within easy reach of the comforts of electricity and plumbing, should the need arise, even as you spend the night lying under the stars. Not to mention, you'll get a great view of all the midnight fireworks. But plan this well - you don't want to go rushing into the house for every single thing, otherwise the magic might get ruined. Pack a picnic basket, a drinks cooler, all your camping necessities and, most importantly, a mosquito repellant. Can you a imagine a better way to bring in the new year than this snugglefest? We didn't think so.

2. Party games marathon

Give one hour slots to each game you both enjoy (and a few only either one of you do) and make your own unique countdown to midnight. We know, we know, Monopoly never gets over in a hour, but just try it. You can start with simple board games like Monopoly and Life, move on to fun card games like Uno and Cards of Humanity and end with the more intimate ones like Would You Rather and 20 Questions. The night will be one you'll never forget - and that's the whole point of a special New Year's Eve, isn't it?

3. Costume party for two

Who said costumes are just for Halloween? We've all played dress up with our girlfriends, but it's time to try it with your boyfriend. You can rent outfits, make them or just mix and match from your closets. There can be matching ones or just plain silly ones. See if you can convince him to go the whole way with a little bit of makeup. You can even progress into something sexier as you close in on midnight and maybe surprise him with a mindblowing outfit as the clock strikes 12. Give it a thought, but be warned - he might want to spend every future NYE at home from then on.

4. Memory lane in candy land

Whatever happens in 2017, will stay in 2017. All of your fitness and health resolutions don't start until the 1st - so make the most of this last day with stuffing yourself with as much candy and chocolate as possible. But that's not all, of course. Connect your phones to the television and virtually walk through all of your memories from 2017. All the trips you both took, the dinners, the birthdays... Just every special moment relived through the pictures. And discuss all of your plans for the next year, while you're at it.

5. Baking party

Okay, no, we don't mean for you to bake and eat it all - even though would be fun too. I find it gives me great pleasure to actually give back on days that mean something to me, like my birthday. You could try it for New Year's Eve. Plan a whole night of baking yummy goodies and have tons of fun while doing it. Things made with love, automatically taste better. But come morning, head to the local children's shelter or an NGO of your choice and share all the food with them. I can promise you, there will be no sweeter slice of cake than the one you have that day.