Here are a few party planning tips if you want to throw a New Year's Bash that your friends and family will love, BUT that doesn't cost you an arm and a leg!
Happy Planning~ShannaFirst: Choose a Theme and Color Palette for Your Party
Tip: Introduce this theme to your guests through invitations & a focal point in your main party room. For instance the theme can be "Count Down to the New Year" and your color palette is black, white and silver.
Second: Create an Eye-Catching Tablescape
Tip: Beautiful Christmas ornaments are on clearance before New Year's Eve, so stock up on color specific ornaments that match your theme. String them from clear fishing line over your table to create visual interest. Coordinate matching vases and dishware and you have a cohesive look!
Third: Provide a Dessert Bar for Your Guests
Tip: Because a New Year's Eve party traditionally starts later in the evening, most of your guests will have already eaten dinner. So, save a few bucks by making your own desserts like cupcakes, cookies and chocolate covered pretzels!
Fourth: Create a Signature Drink
Tip: Champagne is the traditional drink for the New Year, but you can add your own twist to tradition or even create a mock-tail for the evening. you can save money by purchasing larger quantities of 1 particular drink rather than buying several varieties. Check out this recipe...
Mock Champagne
Ingredients
* 2 (2Liter)bottles ginger ale, chilled
* 1 (46 ounce) can pineapple juice, chilled
* 1 (64 ounce) bottle white grape juice, chilled
Champagne is optional (1 to 2 bottles)
Directions:
1. Make an ice ring by filling a ring-shaped cake pan half way with ginger ale. Freeze until partially frozen. At this stage you can add edible flowers or pieces of fruit into the mold. Fill pan the remainder of the way with ginger ale and freeze solid. Place in punch bowl before serving.
2. In a large punch bowl, combine 1 bottle of ginger ale, pineapple juice and white grape juice. (Champagne can also be added at this stage)
This refreshing drink has 83 Calories and serves 40
Fifth: Make Your Own Photo Booth
Tip: Pick an un-utilized corner of your house or venue and caddy-corner your backdrop. This can be made by simply pinning a sheet or piece of material over a tension rod. Purchase a unique photo frame from your local craft store *(custom framing departments usually have a clearance section) & add some cute props like hats, sunglasses and
Smitten Sticks. Provide your guests with a couple of disposable cameras and let them do the rest! What a fun surprise you will get when you develop those shots!
Sixth Don't Forget to Dress the Part
Tip: Because you are probably footing the bill for this New Year's soiree, don't splurge on an entirely new outfit, simply dress up your look with accessories and make-up. A new pair of sparkly shoes and some red lipstick can make you feel like a million bucks and look like the star of your own party!
Happy 2011 from Ruffles & Rouge
