Glam Up the New Year

For those who have no plans to go out on the town, or in the middle of New York’s Time Square, to ring in the New Year, open up your home to friends, family and neighbors.

Toast and glam up your new year 2011

Throw a glamorous and festive New Year’s Eve party decked with silver, gold, and lots of bubbly!
Whether you decide to host a formal dinner or just serve appetizers and drinks, it is essential to have plenty of food and beverages for all to enjoy. Regardless if you are serving homemade or store bought food and treats, be sure to class up the presentation by transferring them to various serving platters and bowls. You may even have some fun serving ware in your pantry that you haven’t even thought about using. For example, a cake stand can be so much more than a place to rest a cake. Other foods, such as pre-toothpicked cheeses can be placed on the stand to add height to the food table and will encourage your guests to not shy away. Other nonedible items, such as party favors can be placed on the stand as decoration. You might be thinking that only kids’ birthday parties should have party favors but your guest will be thrilled to receive the smallest token. If you are on a small budget, there is nothing wrong with making your own favors. Party crackers can be easily made by taking empty paper towel or toilet paper rolls and stuffing them with candies, confetti and other small goodies. Then wrap the roll with festive wrapping paper or tissue and tie both ends with ribbon.

Glam up your new year 2011
With champagne being the signature New Year’s Eve drink, it is a must that you have a glamorous glass to serve it in. Dice up some strawberries and place them in the champagne for an extra special treat and don’t forget to offer your guests a beverage as soon as they walk in your door. As a host, you also need to be sure that there is a little something for everyone, meaning wine, water and soft drinks should also be offered to your guests in addition to the champagne. A beautiful glass or shiny silver or gold ice bucket should be close by to have ready-to-pour chilled champagne.
Gold fringed napkins, appetizer plates, and a beautiful gold leaf garland are a nice addition to a glamorous party. After all, New Year’s Eve is all about the glam, and gold, silver and shimmer are the best and quickest way to achieve glam. For flirty and fun glamour, add in subtle touches of feathers here and there (think 1920’s or masquerade ball but be careful not to go overboard, you can go terribly tacky quick). Good lighting at a party is key to an evening party. Dim the lights a tad, light the fire and all the candles (it will be appreciated - we all look better in warm, soft lighting). Last but not least, be an exceptional host and hand out tingly mint lip balm and breath mints so your guests are totally prepared for their New Year’s kiss!