Ideas for teens NYE party in the garden!

[lechatnoir]

We have agreed to host NYE for 6 families after 10+years going to theirs. Our house is significantly smaller which is why we've never hosted but finally offered this year as we assumed the older teens would go elsewhere. DS1 (18) announced yesterday him & his mates do all still want to come which is lovely but I'm having a panic about where everyone will go.

DH suggested we set up a bit of an outdoor den/area and I think it's our only option as we definitely can't accommodate 25 extra people for a whole evening! Predominantly thinking for the teens to hang out (15 kids: a few 12/13 year olds mainly 17/18 years) firepit, outdoor seating, music, lots of blankets, sausages on the grill, marshmallows, a mini bar etc
We can borrow a big gazebo to over the seating area but welcome any ideas what else we can offer to keep them entertained and hopefully outdoors as long as possible without them all just getting pissed or bored and ending up crowding round the TV/playstation. There's no space for ball games or running around so I guess it's more activities I can come up with in advance or things that will appeal to a group of 17/18 year olds.

set up what you’ve described plus with some blankets and maybe a couple of heaters… and let them entertain themselves at those ages. Definitely some facility for music.

are the teen friends all from the 6 families?

6 families with 25 children are extra friends too?

so I guess it's more activities I can come up with in advance or things that will appeal to a group of 17/18 year olds.

i would think you didn’t know any 17/18 year olds let alone actually be the parent of one!

be clear on what you won’t allow with that number of teens in a very small space ie smoking? will those under 18 be allowed to drink (17 ok but no younger in my view) for example

I wouldnt be trying to think up activities for 17 and 18 year olds. They will just want to drink, listen to music and not be organised by the grown ups. I wouldn't be lumping the 13 and 13 year olds in with older teens though.