'New Year's Party Decor Fun'

New Year's streamers

Let’s get this party started!

Not interested in spending $100 cover to reign in the New Year at a swanky nightclub in the city? Would you prefer to throw a New Year’s house party with some of your most intimate friends instead? Or do you plan on going upstate with a group for a New Year’s weekend of skiing and snow tubing?

If the answer is “yes” to the last two questions, don’t skimp out on the decorations.

Hang a set of streamers (see above) in the doorways and along the stairs, homemade from leftover holiday wrapping paper (see previous blog post for holiday wrapping recycling and reuse).

Streamers made from metallic circles remind us of the Times Square ball of lights. First, take some card stock and cut into circles, either varying the size or leaving them all in the same size. Cover with unwanted wrapping paper. Then, punch a hole into the top and bottom in all of the circles except for the last circle at the end of the streamer. Connect the circles using jump rings.

The countdown begins

Keep the countdown going by arranging all the clocks (and cellphones included) on a tabletop or mantle. Set the alarms to ring at the start of the New Year.

Offer your guests cocktails and champagne with party blowers on a silver platter.

Party hats for kids

Pass out party hats for the kids to wear using decorative paper and a curled party tassel. Cut the decorative paper into circles. Take two of the circles and bend slightly at the middle. Overlap the two circles so that they take the shape of a cone and tape in place. Glue the curled tassel at the top into place. Punch holes on either sides and attach ribbon to the party hat to create a tie fasten.

If you decide to pass out bags of confetti, remember to have a good vacuum on hand.

Make your New Year’s get-together a first night to remember with a few fun and easy touches your friends and family would be sure to appreciate.

-S. Gonzalez

*Photos courtesy of marthastewart.com