New Year's Eve Handbook

With 2015 right around the corner, New Year's Eve celebrations are on the top of everyone's minds. Here's a few tips for hosting a sparkly soiree--perfect for welcoming in a new year, as well as ideas for what to wear, no matter what your New Year's plans may entail. Consider this your guide to New Year's Eve festivities!

What better way to celebrate the start of a brand new year than a glittering soiree with some good friends? Entertaining doesn’t mean complicated or overly expensive, and this is a simple yet chic celebration that every girl can host and enjoy! Here's your how-to for throwing the perfect New Year's Eve party!

The Menu: When it comes to your menu, easy is best! Provide guests with a sampler of simple and delicious appetizers that only appear as though you spent hours in the kitchen.

I chose a Mediterranean Crostini (adapted from this recipe) that I simplified by swapping pre-made hummus for the spread prep. My menu also included pear slices topped with goat cheese and dried cranberries and a creamy Brie cheese served with a fruit spread and crackers.

The Dessert: Delight your guests with a spread of tiny sweet treats like white chocolate peppermint pretzels, mini bonbons, and glittering cupcakes.

The Toast: Pop. Fizz. Clink! What is a New Year’s celebration without a toast? We used sparkling white grape juice, but you could swap for French sodas or other fizzing drinks. Bubbling drinks look beautiful in crystal flutes, and I topped them with fresh raspberries for added color and flavor.

The Table: Your table can be sparkling, yet classic and easy to put together. Thrifted glass votives and mason jars get a makeover with some gold craft glitter; mingle the plain glasses with the sparkling ones, and finish off the look with a sprinkling of sequins and rhinestones. Light your tea lights in each jar, and you’re ready to glow, girl!

Create a pretty place setting with a gold charger layered under classic white plate. To add some fun detail, accordion fold your napkins and tie in the middle to create a bow effect. Personalize your tablescape with place cards in swirling hand-lettering.

Gold Wall: One of my favorite aspects of the entire decor was the shimmering gold foil wall! It is the easiest thing to put together but looks incredible and really anchors the entire feel of the party. To create it, I purchased four of the gold foil door curtains (similar here) at a party supply store and taped them together and attached to the top of the wall. Voila!

The Resolutions: Instead of making "new year's resolutions", at the start of the new year I like to write out some of my overall goals, be they big or small. Encourage your guests to do the same, and attach them to the sparkling wall with glittered clothespins. Here’s to a year of fun and achievements!

Voila! A simple & sparkly celebration. Cheers!

Still deciding what to wear? Here's a few sartorial suggestions...

If you're going somewhere: festive

Dinner & a movie? Seeing a show with friends? For a fun evening on the town, combine a few easy pieces for an elegant, styled look with comfort. Balance a voluminous top, in pop of cool color, with dark skinny denim or leggings. Add a touch of drama to an otherwise casual chambray shirt with a sequin pencil skirt pairing, or choose a twist on a monochromatic look in shades of cool blue. Statement heels, sparkling jewelry, and fun accessories add a playful, festive feel to your look. 

If you're going somewhere: flashy

 New Year's Eve is an excuse to pull out all the stops, and break out the sequins, babe. Whether it is a feathered frock, glittered gown, or a sheath dress in bright shade, you'll make a statement of celebration when you walk into the room! Yes, it is ok to add on layers of glimmering necklaces, oversized earrings, and throw in a little faux fur. At this kind of party, the more the merrier! Swivel, swish, and sparkle the night away! 

If you're going somewhere: fun and cozy

Staying in? No need to forgo the cute outfit! For an evening in with friends, eating good food and watching the ball drop, choose pieces that you can stay cozy in, but don't skimp on the sparkle! Have fun with your accessories. Add warmth and a touch of color with an oversized scarf, choose a pair of fun, printed pants or a brightly-colored skirt, and stack a few metallic bangles on your wrist. Large rhinestone stud earrings polish off the look and add understated glamour.

Whatever your plans may be for the start of this new year, my hope is that you will celebrate the accomplishments, lessons, and memories of this passing year, and run with open arms toward all the success, fun, and new adventures that 2015 has to offer. Happy New Year, friends! 

xx,