zig zag header
Ideas to Ring in the New Year                                           December 2010
In this month's newsletter, I share some creative ideas to spruce up your new year's celebration. Read on to learn a few new ways to inspire your next party, without breaking your budget. Here's wishing you a Happy New Year and all the best in 2011!
Feature Article
New Year's Eve Decorating & Party Ideas

Are you planning a New Year's Eve party but still need some ideas for how to decorate without spending a lot of money? If so, there are many ways to use what you already have (especially other holiday decorations) to make a statement. I've pulled together a few of my favorite ideas for centerpieces, party favors, and the like to inspire your New Year's party, keeping in mind to reuse what you already have wherever possible. Have a great party and Happy New Year!

 

NYE Vignette
Hosting a New Year's Eve party doesn't have to break your bank account 

1. Host a Theme Party:    Theme parties are a lot of fun and can be done very inexpensively as your guests provide a lot of the 'decoration.'  One theme party idea that I particularly like is a Mardi Gras theme because it is easy to leverage your left over holiday decorations, making it one of the more economical parties to host right after Christmas. Have your guests wear masks and make it a competition for who has the best costume! You can reuse beaded holiday garland you have lying around as Mardi Gras beads and as decor for the party. Add in some purple, gold and green in other ways to infuse Mardi Gras colors throughout the party. If you have any leftover wrapping paper with purple, green or gold, consider using the leftovers to wrap party favors. You may even be able to score a deep discount on 'after Christmas' purchases of decorations for the party if you don't already have items to use in the Mardi Gras colors. For the menu, serve New Orleans inspired cuisine like gumbo, lobster bisque or beignets. 

NYE plans
A few lemons, greenery and holiday ornaments go a long way in creating this stunning centerpiece.  .

  

2.  Celebrate the Centerpiece:    If you are planning a dinner party (or even if you aren't), create a centerpiece for the table to add a focal point in your room. The lemon centerpiece is fresh, unique and so easy! All you need are lemons (faux or real), leaves and a few silver beads or small ornaments. Place the items in a glass bowl, elevated serving plate, or whatever works for you!

  

tray liners
Holiday paper dresses up this serving tray

3. Reuse Wrapping Paper:   If you have a lot of leftover wrapping

paper, a great use for the scraps is to line the bottom of serving trays to give them a festive flair. Doing this helps you get rid of wrapping paper you have and adds a designer touch to your trays. Use the trays to serve drinks, appetizers or as a container for party favors. Another festive idea for your wrapping paper is to cut long, thin pieces to make streamers. Hang them from the ceiling for a fun, party atmosphere.    

nye streamers
Don't throw away that left over wrapping paper--make festive streamers 

 

4. The Easiest Party Favors:  

Another great 'reuse what you have' idea is to take a toilet paper or paper towel roll and use it to hold your party favors. Stuff the cardboard roll with a few wrapped candies or treats and then wrap them in leftover Christmas paper.  Tie the ends with ribbon and, presto, you have a beautiful gift for each guest! Hint: if you use paper towel rolls, cut them in half. 

 

grapes in champagne
Ring in the new year like the Spanish with 12 grapes 

5. Decorate Your Drink:   There are many ways to add some flair to your drink this New Year's. You can curl ribbon around wine glasses, add a few drops of food coloring to a cocktail so that it fits your theme, or make creative name tags to hang on the glasses. Another fun way to dress up your cocktail is to add 12 grapes on a skewer to each champagne glass, which are given out right before midnight. This is a Spanish tradition and the grapes are said to be the predictors for your next year. Eat the grapes at midnight - sweet ones are good luck while sour grapes symbolize misfortune. Let's hope you get some sweet ones!

 

I hope these few ideas have inspired you for your New Year's Eve celebration.  Interested in creating a beautiful home or room in 2011?  Contact Decor by Denise today at 703-714-7343 or at [email protected] to learn how easy it is to get started.

.

 

 Signature

 Denise to be on TV Next Week!
nye centerpieceTune In To 'Let's Talk Live' Next Wednesday @ 11AM
For the third time this year, Denise will be featured in a design spot on the local news show, 'Let's Talk Live', which airs on ABC Affiliate, Channel 8. She will be featured next Wednesday, 12/29. The show starts at 11am!  This time around, Denise's topic will be decorating for New Year's Eve. You won't want to miss her tips!
 Holiday Hours
closed sign
  
Decor by Denise Closed 12/23 through 12/31
In observance of the holidays, Decor by Denise will be closed December 23rd through December 31st. We will reopen on January 3, 2011. We wish everyone a happy holiday season filled with lots of laughter, relaxation and fun! 
Meet Denise 
Denise Willard is a professional interior decorator with over a decade of experience working with clients in the DC metro area.  Denise and her team specialize in creating simple, but elegant transitional and contemporary interiors that are reflective of their clients' personalities and lifestyles. 

Her work has been showcased in Home & Design Magazine, Washington Home & Garden, The Washingtonian, Elan and The Washington Post. Denise is also President-Elect for the DC Chapter of the International Furnishings and Design Association (IFDA), writes a regular column in Viva Tysons Magazine and is a member of the "Design Diva" team for AskMissA.com.

To learn more about Denise and her team, check out her online portfolio at DecorbyDenise.com, visit her weekly blog posts at DreamDesignLive.com or contact her directly at 703-714-7343 or email her at [email protected].
  
Stay Connected With Us
Facebook icon Linked In Icon Twitter Icon RSSFeed Icon 
Final Logo
Join Our Mailing List
Have an idea for an upcoming newsletter?  Contact us at [email protected].
If you are a member of the trade and are interested in participating in our collaborative marketing efforts, please contact Denise at [email protected]
 
We look forward to hearing from you!