Sparkle & Celebrate: A Glittering New Year’s Eve Party

Filed under Be Creative Entertaining & Parties on Dec 20 12 by Candice Henry

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!

Host!

The Invitations: Send out your invites early—you’ll want to give people plenty of time to ensure that your party can be penciled into packed holiday schedules. Usually a time frame of about 1 1/2 to 2 weeks ahead is best!

The Color Scheme: Plan out your color scheme—anything glittery and fun is perfect for a NYE fete. I chose a color palate of gold, silver, and creme with some black accents for a contrast.

Toast!

The Menu: When it comes to your menu, easy is best! Provide guests with a sampler of simple and delicious appetizers that 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 water 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: What is a New Year’s celebration without a toast? Sparkling white grape juice, or a champagne if you so desire, looks beautiful in crystal flutes with fresh raspberries for added color and flavor.

Sparkle!

Glitter Banner: As a fun DIY project, we created a glittery ‘2013’ banner out of cardboard, glue and glitter. Find the how-to here.

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: 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!

It’s time to sparkle and shine—this is your year! Cheers!