We have kids around that age--had another family over that also had kids the same age. All ate dinner and dessert together and had the kids watch a movie til 9 while the adults drank wine and played games. They went home and put their kids to bed, as did we in our house, and then stayed up til midnight for the fireworks and bed. The 19-year-old might enjoy the grown-ups or the kids or neither; could watch their own movie...she may be feeling awkward about the whole thing and might rather be on her own turf than out trying to have fun with adults who are probably occupied with the 5-year-old. Don't pressure yourself too much! I have barely any had good New Yearses (until last year, actually) and am a mostly happy person.

Have 19yo find friends in next couple weeks, and go to a dry party. If she’s a military brat, she should be used to the drill of looking for new friends.

5yo needs a nap. Dinner is takeout with movies at home or out at a restaurant. Then card or board game, legos, something else together to keep 5yo up. Sparkling juice, small cookies, cut veggies/fruit with dip, cheese/crackers, whatever you guys like for finger foods.

Will your 5yo stay up until midnight?

Some suggestions

A nice (fancy-ish) dinner out
After that, an excursion, maybe to see holiday lights or similar?
After that, home for (spiked) hot chocolate and a family movie or board games or cooking decorating (something that all can participate in, but that if the 5yo is done and tired, they can bow out of easily and go to bed).
Watch the ball drop on tv, pop champagne

That's a tough one, OP. There is always church!

Anonymous wrote:Ruth's Chris, of course.

Haha I need to search that thread again.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ruth's Chris, of course.

Beat me to it.

11pm though.

Newbie.

My family used to always go out for a nice dinner (not one that necessary lasted till 12pm). Can you book something special that your 5 year old can handle.

Give the 19yo some champagne!

We always stay up and watch whatever dumb thing is broadcasting from NY. We go crazy with takeout finger foods (egg rolls from Chinese restaurant, guac, salsa and queso from Mexican place, pizza and wings. The adults have cocktails (I wouldn’t be against giving my 19yo one or two, YMMV). We get a tasty desert, our kids have sparking juice. We build Legos or play a game. It’s fun.

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Ruth's Chris, of course.

Beat me to it.

11pm though.

Anonymous wrote:Ruth's Chris, of course.

Beat me to it.

Ruth's Chris, of course.

Anonymous wrote:How does the 19 year old not have plans?

Military family. She didn’t grow up here and doesn’t have friends here, poor kid.

How does the 19 year old not have plans?

Google the "first night" events in your city. Those are usually pretty family friendly if you want the 5 year old to enjoy.

I’ll have a DH, a 19 year old, and a five year old with me! (Blended family). Anyone have any ideas??