'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

'Let's Get this Party Started'

It is perhaps the one rare occasion throughout the year when our hearts and minds are focus on the past, present and future all at once.

The New Year.

This year, I will be saying goodbye to 2009 and New York City’s iconic Tavern on the Green at the restaurant’s farewell party. The Central Park landmark since 1939, known for its blowout parties and the annual marathoners’ pasta fest, will close its doors January 1 – a victim of the financial crisis and high-priced operating expenses.

It will be my first time at the famed restaurant, with its wonderland décor that includes 45 chandeliers of glass and stained-glass, 600,000 tree lights and topiary animals in its gardens, etched mirrors, and copper and gold-leaf weathervanes.

It once was a place frequented by celebrities like Grace Kelly and John Lennon and where former owner Warner LeRoy would open champagne bottles with the swing of a sword.

Kicking the New Year with the best that my city has to offer is the precedent I’d like to set for the coming year. And if that precedent is to be made in style, my New Year’s outfit better be a show-stopper.

Dramatic textures, shimmering embellishments and sumptuous fabrics guarantee that my New Year’s ensemble will deserve nothing less than the spotlight. Here’s my ultimate party wardrobe:

Fancy Feet

I like to party with the best – that includes my shoes too. Nothing comes close to the quality and craftsmanship of a Prada shoe. This suede bootie in (sold out) has a slightly pointed toe, but with its black suede straps and heel adds a cool contemporary spin to a classic silhouette.

Bare It All

This black BCBG (on sale now) with an overlay of tulle and asymmetric shoulder shows the right amount of skin. No need to wear a statement necklace because this neckline says it all. The zip closure on the side ensures a snug fit and the strap is adjustable. I plan to pair this top with a banded mini skirt, but on another occasion can be worn with leggings or even jeans. And I do admire the ruching of tulle along the bottom, which accentuates the waistline.

Rock N’ Roller

I don’t need arm candy; I need an accessory that will pack a punch. This Rebecca Minkoff 3-zip clutch (sold out in yellow) with its exotic leather print and leather fringe is sure to infuse a bit of rocker glam to a rather simple, yet stylish party outfit. Its bright yellow shade will break up the black and gray, bringing some much-needed color and attention to my New Year’s look.

Best Wishes for a Happy New Year!

-S. Gonzalez

*Photo courtesy of annaginzburg.com; yoox.com; BCBG and handbagsdir.com