New South Style #2: Easy New Year’s Decorating
Congrats, you made it through Christmas! Now on to the New Year festivities! Here are some ideas to make decorating a little easier.
Confetti
Instead of changing your usual Christmas décor, just make a small addition to it with homemade confetti! I made these by using a one inch circle craft punch and assorted papers left over from other projects. You can also choose from a large selection of scrapbook papers at your local craft store. I like to use vellum for its transparency and mix in a pattern (such as stripes) to keep it interesting. You could even use magazine pages, patterned tissue paper, or wrapping paper. Basically, anything that is thin enough to use the craft punch on! Afterwards, have fun sprinkling your homemade confetti around your Christmas decorations. By adding an assortment of silver and gold mercury votives with candles, this will also create that warm glow to the festive look of New Year’s celebrations.
Photo credits: Jeanne Tompkins
A Touch of Vintage
Any surface will do to create a bar, but we love the look of a vintage bar cart! This is a great way to add a bar setup to your living room or front porch since it doesn’t take up too much space. You can find a bar cart at antique stores, flea markets (sometimes) , or at boutique event rental companies in your area that offer vintage furniture. We found this one at Pret a Fete Event Rentals. Check out their Instagram at @pretafete to take a look at other gorgeous items you might also need for your holiday celebration.
Photo credits: Jeanne Tompkins
Mix & Match Champagne Glasses
All you need now are some champagne glasses, a bottle of Veuve, and a touch of your festive homemade confetti!
If you are worried about not having enough champagne glasses for your guests, there are a few easy solutions. I like a mix of assorted vintage-style cups for a fancy party like New Year’s. In order to make sure I have enough glasses, I check local thrift stores where you can usually find partial sets that were donated because some were broken. If you have the time, this will make a great collection for future entertaining and usually at a better cost than purchasing a set of new matching glasses. If you don’t have time to shop at the thrift stores, ask your friends to bring their own champagne glass sets. In most homes these glasses are hardly used and most people would be thrilled to let them see some fun!
Photo credits: Jeanne Tompkins
Floral Detail
Personally, I love to see a touch of floral in any party decorating! Here I used vintage liquor decanters from my personal collection as vases. I like when florals are placed in nontraditional vases. Liquor decanters, for example, are a perfect fit! Another idea is to cut the stem short and place the floating blooms in a decorative bowl or even in a champagne cup!
Photo credits: Jeanne Tompkins
Creative Glassware
Here’s a fun new twist for champagne (or wine) glass markers that you can also make yourself. Start with a theme to choose the imagery; I used lucky charm symbols – ladybug, lucky penny, horseshoe, evil eye, a wish bone, and a four leaf clover. Some other fun ideas include monograms, animal silhouettes, or the word “celebration” written in international languages.
Photo credits: Jeanne Tompkins
These are images I found online and printed using Avery clear sticker paper for inkjet printers. You can order this on Amazon or pick it up at an office supply store.
Photo credits: Jeanne Tompkins
No matter how you choose to decorate, make sure to leave yourself enough time to have fun and enjoy your guests! Cheers to the New Year!
