But the kids are older now and can stay up or put themselves to bed. They can bang their pots and pans together outside if they want or do whatever. And the adults can get together and enjoy the evening too.
My party for eight starts at 8:30 PM with appetizers and cocktails. Prime Rib is served promptly at Midnight. Festive, holiday clothing is a must!
This is my beautiful cloche, part of a set of three, all different sizes. The base is galvanized and the top is glass. I filled it with Christmas ornaments and flipped it over. It makes a beautiful centerpiece.
Party hats are a must for a New Year's Eve celebration. Everyone loves getting a little silly so make sure you have a variety of head gear for the party goers. Party wear is available right now at your local dollar store or Walmart. It sells out quickly so don't wait.
I first covered my table in a regular beige tablecloth. Then I layed a piece of sparkly see-through fabric from Joann's Fabrics, over the tablecloth. It's Champagne Organza with Transparent Beads from the Casa Collection. I did not sew the edges or get crazy with it. I simply placed it over the beige tablecloth for a fun look.
Then I purchased a few yards of Gold Row Sequin Mesh from the All That Glitters Collection also at Joann's Fabrics. I made a 14" runner for the center of the table. Again, no sewing, just cutting. Plus, all these glittery fabrics are 60-70% off right now and will be the perfect addition to your table.
Formal parties deserve place cards. I wish I could remember where I purchased these little chair place card holders. I just love them.
I've also covered the table in chocolate gold coins and Ferrero Rocher candies to symbolize a "sweet year" for everyone. These candies are also on sale everywhere right now, grab as many as you can.
We always pull out a little of the good stuff every year. It's nice to treat your guests and enjoy some yourselves. I buy a few bottles of Dom Perignon during the holiday season and cellar it away. It is priced best at Costco and this year we will be indulging in the 1996 vintage. I believe the current release is 2002 or 2003.
It's always nice to have something like this stashed away. I have also purchased and will hold some Dom Perignon from my kids birth years. They will have to celebrate with us on their 21st if they want a sip!
Here you can also see glimpses of my diamond table confetti...I love these sparkly pieces and use them for many occasions.
Here's another shot of the cloche...because I love it so much!!
I used my very large (11" diameter) white dinner plates as chargers. I placed my china on top for a more formal look. I love the look of ivory on white with a golden edge. My china is made by Noritake and is the "Halls of Ivy" pattern, which is now discontinued. I've always loved the raised leaves on this otherwise simple place setting.
I also have a few magnums of sparkling wine on the table. These are fun to open when you have a large group. You rarely see these in stores but I was lucky enough to pick them up at the wineries when I have visited them in the past.
I'm thinking these are going to be quite popular on New Year's Eve!
I wrapped 2013 beads around the party hats for a festive look. Guests can either wear the beads or leave them around the hat. Their choice!
I used quart size mason jars as vases for each side of the table. I filled the bottom with clear and white marbles and stuck sprigs of glittery gold and silver holiday decor inside. All of these glittery sprigs are also on sale everywhere if you don't already have some leftover from Christmas. I finished off the vases with a Happy New Year Tiara and sparkly snowflake ribbon.
Good quality truffles are also a must. A variety of milk, dark and white chocolate ensures there is something for everyone. Place these on both ends of the table.
This serving plate is part of my china and I love the fancy handle. It makes whatever is on the plate seem more special than it already is.
I placed party horns inside the champagne flutes for safe keeping. I'm sure everyone will be blowing them before the clock strikes twelve.
These glasses will be the hit of the party, especially once the bubbly takes over.
Make sure to have your skewers of grapes ready for the midnight toast. A fun New Year's Eve tradition you don't want to miss.
I hope you all have a wonderful celebration. I would love to hear about the table settings for your party or any other fun traditions you might have.
Cathy runs her own vineyard and winery in the Willamette Valley of Oregon. She is a food writer forDavis Life Magazine and blogs daily about wine, food and everyday living. She lives with her husband and two sons. You can visit her at noblepig.com.