Ring in the New Year….At Home.
Hubby and I hardly ever go out on New Years Eve. Since our son was born, I have become a fan of get-togethers. I have scouted a list of preparations that you can take, if you happen to be hosting this New Year’s Eve at home.
1. Make sure you’ve stored all your holiday decorations. We all know that person that keeps their tree up into February, but make your New Year’s party about ringing in a New Year! Take down Santa and use festive flower arrangements, tinsel, and balloons.
2. Have a firm head count. Having a good grip on the number of people that will be attending your party will allow you to get the right amount of food, drinks, party favors (think fun hats, blowers, and 2012 glasses).
3. Have a great music system.
One very important aspect like any other party is great music. Make an ipod playlist and use devices like the iHome Air Play Speaker. Dancing events, competitions for kids and adults are some fun elements of any New Year celebration.
4. Keep the food in a different room than you celebrate. Eating in a separate room allows guests to dance, sing, play games, or watch the ball drop while other guests may be having conversations over an appetizer or drink. This also keeps the majority of the mess in one room and can prevent spills on carpeted areas or furniture.
– As a bonus here are some wonderful NYE appetizer ideas from Martha Stewart.
5. Have alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available. While we all know that New Year’s Eve is a time for people to sip champagne and toast to a bright future, not everyone wants to or is able to drink alcohol. Make sure you have a variety of drinks available for all of your guests.
6. Have a cleanup strategy. Since you’ll most likely be reveling late into the night, make sure you have a strategy in place to clean up afterwards. Decide what you will clean up that night (sticky plates, serving dishes, etc) and what can be saved for the next day (maybe vacuuming up that confetti can wait until morning).
I wish you all Many Blessings and a Joyous 2012!
Tiffany Brooks,
Your Interior Designer & Stylist