Masquerade ball

What it is

A glamorous Venetian-style ball where everyone hides behind an elaborate mask until midnight. Candlelight, music, a waltz lesson and a dramatic unmasking make it a perfect New Year’s Eve party, and it also works as an elegant Halloween alternative.

Plan ahead

• Four to six weeks before: book a venue if your home is too small, and send formal invitations with the dress code: black tie and masks.
• Two weeks before: order spare masks and decorations, and plan the food (caterer or make-ahead buffet).
• The day before: set up the room, lights and music.

Set the scene

A palette of black, gold and deep red. Candelabras (LED candles near costumes), velvet tablecloths, feathers, gold-framed mirrors and masks hung on the walls. Dim, warm lighting and a cleared space for the dance floor.

Activities

Mask table

A table at the entrance with spare masks, plus a craft option: plain masks, gems, feathers, sequins and glue, for guests to make their own.

Waltz lesson

The basic box step: step forward with the left, side with the right, close the left to the right, step back with the right, side with the left, close. Count “1-2-3”. Play a classical waltz.

Mask guessing game

Each guest writes on a card who they think three masked guests are. The best guesser wins a prize at midnight.

Unmasking

At the stroke of midnight, everyone removes their masks together. Cheers, fireworks (if allowed) and champagne.

Food and drink

• Canapés: blinis with crème fraîche and salmon, crostini, mini tartlets, arancini
• A main buffet or plated dinner
• Champagne, a signature cocktail like a Kir Royale, and an alcohol-free sparkling option
• A dessert table: macarons, chocolate truffles, profiteroles

Tips

• Choose masks with a band rather than a stick, so guests can hold a drink.
• Have a photographer or a photo booth with gold frames.