New to board, so sorry if I'm going rogue by asking about New Year.
For the past few years it's just been me, DH and DD for Christmas and New Year. Friends and relatives are too distant, busy or aged for visiting. I miss the buzz of seeing people but Christmas is fine, we go all out at home and link up with family via video call for unwrapping, even playing some games that way, and both Boxing Day and New Year's Day are dedicated to games. But New Year's Eve is a non event. DD and DH don't drink or enjoy big parties and pubs, so we generally watch Jools Holland or go to bed early with a hot chocolate. They'd be happy to meet up with a small group of friends but for various reasons it's not realistic.
I know it's selfish, but every year the marketing and messaging is about getting together with people, friends and colleagues are whizzing about seeing people, and I look wistfully at the gatherings and lovely clothes which I have zero occasion to wear. Of course I'm not going to force DD and DH to be uncomfortable so my question is, any ideas for making it a special occasion at home? I have previously done party food anyway but it's not the same.