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!
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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.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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