Planning a New Year’s Eve soiree this year?
When the clock strikes midnight, set the mood with beautiful decorations for the occasion. Believe it or not, your decor doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you use a few money-saving tricks ahead of time. Here are a few DIY projects that are sure to dazzle your guests and add a little extra something to your party.
Silver stars: These little stars are very easy to make. One day ahead of time, purchase some miniature Styrofoam balls, silver and gold spray paint, and some plain, wooden toothpicks.
Spray paint the miniature balls and toothpicks in silver or gold paint and let them dry. Once the balls are dry insert the toothpicks into the sprayed balls to form a star. Use these on place settings accompanied with silver sparkles.
Hershey Kisses: I love using these little chocolates at New Year’s. They are the perfect treat to tie in the “midnight kiss” idea and they look fantastic on table settings. Sprinkle them down the middle of the table or on each place setting.
Glitter votives: Simple dollar store glass votives may be transformed into something very pretty for a New Year’s Eve table.
You will need to purchase small, glass votives, craft glue, and gold and sliver glitter. The night before, add the glue to the votives in various patterns such as polka dots, vertical and horizontal lines or any pattern you choose.
Sprinkle the glitter over the glue and let dry for an hour. Add your tea lights and use them on buffet and dinner tables. They also work nicely in powder rooms.
Icicle lights: I saw this idea last year at an event and I thought it was a great idea for New Year’s.
Purchase one or two strands of outdoor icicle lights – don’t forget to check the length of the strand. Attach the lights to the front edge of your buffet or dining table and hang your white tablecloth over top. Once illuminated, the lights will twinkle through the tablecloth and provide a nice, soft glow to your table.
Don’t forget about foil, mylar, numbered balloons that you can find in dollar and craft stores. These are great when filled with helium and placed over buffet tables to declare the arrival of 2017.
Barb Lunter is a freelance writer with a passion for home decor, entertaining and floral design. She also runs Blu Dog Staging & Redesign. bludogstagingandredesign.com
