NYE Perfection!

Last week’s post about throwing a perfect holiday soiree got a lot of good feedback, so I’m going to write one for New Year’s as well! If you’ve decided to throw a party at your place instead of waiting 20 minutes for drinks at the bar, you’ve come to the right place. I have five simple suggestions to make your New Year’s Eve bash unforgettable.

1. Get organized.

If you missed last week’s post on preparing to throw a holiday party, here’s another chance. In it I suggest making a list, prepping food and drinks the day before, having an outfit pre-chosen, and appealing to the five senses. Those tips are very much applicable to getting organized before your NYE soirée.

Auld Lang Syne might just be the most popular NYE song, so don’t forget to play it for your guests!

http://etsy.me/Ub72wE

2. Sparkle

There’s no way around it: if you’re going to have a NYE party you’ve got to make it shine. From decorations to champagne to clothes, NYE is the time to get glitzy. Think bubbles, sparkles, metals, candles … the list is virtually endless. This dress should give you a good idea of what I’m thinking!

http://poshposh.com/2011/01/adam-black-silk-organza-sleeveless-dress-with-dark-purple-sequins/

  

And both of these images of streamers fit right in with the sparkly concept. Their bubble shapes tie in the champagne as well!

http://www.marthastewart.com/856543/decorations-new-years-eve/@center/859874/new-years-eve

http://www.marthastewart.com/273592/hanging-bubbly-ball-decorations

3. Pop some champagne.

The clock doesn’t strike midnight on New Year’s Eve without some hugs, kisses and champagne cheers! Make sure you have enough champagne flutes for all your guests, and don’t forget to chill it before you pop it. You can have simple flutes like the ones below and jazz them up with strawberries.

http://theartofbottledpoetry.wordpress.com/2010/03/19/how-sparkling-and-champagne-wines-are-made/

4. Don’t lose track of the time.

And how could you with a fabulous collection of clocks like this? If you don’t want to spend a fortune on these timepieces, check out Good Will or Salvation Army. I’m sure you’ll find something there that you can spray paint to make as awesome as these.

http://ritzybee.typepad.com/my_weblog/2008/12/new-years-eve-party.html

5. Have fun!

The most important part of a New Year’s Eve party (or any for that matter) is to have fun. Enjoy the people you’re with!

Get Organized Before Your Christmas Soirée!

The holidays are generally stressful – especially if you’re entertaining – but they certainly don’t have to be! I’ve made a list of four things to do to get organized that will surely help you throw an amazing holiday party.

Make a list (and check it twice!). By listing everything you need to accomplish before the guests arrive, you not only will be able to visualize everything that needs to get done, but you’ll have the glory of crossing off your tasks once you finish them! Be sure to list items by priority so that if you happen to run out of time the most important things are taken care of.

http://cindysclassicgourmet.wordpress.com/2011/11/30/christmas-party-checklist/

Prep your food and beverages the day before. You’ll likely be running around the place making sure everything looks perfect (including yourself) and won’t need the additional stress of cooking. If you prep the day before all you’ll have to do is throw your dishes in the oven, on the stove or wherever it needs to go, and can entertain while the food is heating up. The same goes for drinks!

-->

http://www.hercampus.com/school/bc/skinny-drink-recipes-christmas-edition-0

http://www.phamfatale.com/id_2005/title_Savory-Cheesecake-Appetizer-Recipe/

Have your outfit picked out in advance. I can’t stress this enough! There’s nothing worse than rushing to get ready for a big event like a holiday party. Spend some time the day before trying on various outfits. Make sure what you’re wearing is comfortable, conducive to cooking and cleaning, and most importantly, cute! There’s no need for additional hassle. After all, the holiday season is all about happiness and gratitude, not about stress! (See a few variations of holiday outfits below for inspiration).

 

-->

http://www.karinainfashionland.com/2012/01/keep-calm-and-shine-on.html

-->

http://www.polyvore.com/baby_its_cold_outside/set?.embedder=4116309&.svc=pinterest&id=62970885

-->

http://goodlifeforless.blogspot.com/2011/12/my-outfit-winter-looksbook-photoshoot_23.html

Last but certainly not least, appeal to the five senses. Make your home taste, feel, sound, smell and look amazing. The food and drinks will take care of the first part. Make sure there’s enough sitting space for all your guests so everybody feels comfortable and cozy. Have some happy holiday music playing in the background, and while the food is wafting its tasty aroma throughout your place, be sure all your decorations are perfect for the holiday season.

http://splendidsass.blogspot.com/

http://www.everythingfab.com/2010/12/holiday-inspiration-table-decor.html

http://repurposedvintagefinds.blogspot.ca/2012/03/wordless-wednesday-branching-out.html

 

If you take care of these four things before your party, your Christmas soiree is sure to be a beautiful, stress-free and memorable event!