As the clock struck midnight on New Year's Eve 2026, a host of British celebrities took to social media to share their celebrations with the world. From glamorous gowns to cosy pyjamas, the posts offered a glimpse into how the stars ushered in the new year. Etiquette expert Laura Windsor, speaking to the Daily Mail, has now delivered her verdict on who brought in the next twelve months with style—and whose revelry left her wincing.
Elegance and Family First: The Classy Celebrations
Amanda Holden commanded attention in a plunging blue Victoria Beckham dress as she celebrated at home with her husband, Chris Hughes, and their daughters. Laura Windsor praised the choice, calling it proof of a "tight-knit, loving unit" who know how to do "cosy and classy." Her final verdict was a resounding Classy.
Liz Hurley opted for a loved-up dinner by the fire with her boyfriend, Billy, and son, Damian. Windsor noted that while the family kept it relaxed, Hurley added glamour, a move that "shouts 'I'm ready to celebrate!'" The expert deemed the evening Sophisticated.
Meanwhile, Molly-Mae Hague and Tommy Fury, celebrating in the Maldives with their daughter, were praised for being "understated, relaxed, and effortlessly chic." Their family-focused approach earned a Chic rating.
Understated Charm and Missed Opportunities
Not every celebrity aimed for high glamour. Dua Lipa, who jetted back from Mexico to spend New Year's in the chilly UK, was seen enjoying a cocktail in a relaxed setting. Windsor called it "understated" and noted that "sometimes less really is more." Similarly, Jenni Falconer's simple family photo with a heartfelt Hogmanay message was rated Understated and heartfelt.
However, several posts left the etiquette expert wanting more. Ashley Roberts, in a plunging purple dress in Mauritius, was criticised for a post that felt more like a fashion shot than a New Year's celebration. Binky Felstead's sunny holiday snap and Fearne Cotton's post from bed while feeling unwell were all deemed Bland for lacking festive storytelling or energy.
When Celebrations Went Over the Top
At the other end of the spectrum, some stars embraced full-on festivities. Stacey Solomon covered her ceiling in balloons, put up disco balls, and donned a sequinned outfit. Windsor acknowledged her enthusiasm but found it "a little OTT," delivering a verdict of OTT.
Kate Ferdinand's Dubai celebration, which involved covering a pool in candles, started elegantly but triggered an "OTT alert" for Windsor, who declared "Elegance: cancelled" due to the potential fire hazard.
The most critical reviews were reserved for those deemed Tacky. Gemma Collins's generic beach post was called "glossy but ultimately forgettable." Kelly Osbourne's farm visit with animals prompted a shocked reaction, with Windsor simply stating, "Tacky tacky and tacky."
The analysis reveals a clear divide in how public figures choose to mark the occasion. For every elegantly understated family moment, there was a glitter-filled spectacle or a post that missed the festive mark entirely, proving that even for celebrities, ringing in the New Year is a matter of personal—and very public—style.
