Here’s to a relaxing, fun, and very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
From the monthly archives:
December 2010
One of my favorite holiday activities is shopping. Despite the holidays crowds, I love hearing the Christmas music in the background and can’t wait for my free sample of hot cider. Plus, what better time of year than during the after Christmas sales, not only is everything inexpensive but there’s still one more holiday you need an outfit for – New Year’s Eve! Here are some of my favorite looks:
- DKNY Sequined Miniskirt at Bloomingdales
- Twirl Bow Cuff from Kate Spade
- Aqua Pearl Sunburst Ring at Bloomingdales
- Golden Sequined Top from Top Shop
- Shimmer Sling Pump by Michael Kors
- Stretch Rhinestone Headband by Juicy Couture
- Be Dazzled Earrings from Kate Spade
- Salinas Cutout Pump by Michael Kors
- Black Cutout Bustier Dress at Top Shop
- Lady Marmalade Studs by Kate Spade
- Metallic Wristlet by Coach
1. A Little Challenge – This post from A Cup of Jo has a great idea to just stop complaining for a week, and to see what it can change. What an inspiring and cool idea!
2. Hot Chocolate Gift Basket – I absolutely love this ides from design*sponge for a sweet DIY holiday gift that won’t break the bank.
3. Photo Wrapping Paper – I think this idea from Sweet Paul would be such a cool personal touch to add to any holiday gift; it’s beautiful!
This set of 4 Chalkboard Place Mats from b.a.friend is sure to keep your little ones entertained at the dinner table! Plus, you’ll have a homemade piece of art to put your plates on when they’re done!
You’re almost done with the holiday rush when you suddenly realize you agreed to throw this years New Year’s Eve party. You’re already having to put in extra time at work for everything you missed during the holidays and now you have to take the time to throw a party, too? Here are some ideas for hosting a great party with little time and effort:
- Invite: Create a New Year’s invitation to invite your friends, Cardstore.com will stamp and send them for you.
- Activity: Print out or make your own cards with fill in the blanks, such as “The skill I want to learn this year is ___” or ”The good deed I want to do this year is ―――,” or get creative with other New Year’s resolution ideas. Everyone can fill them out, then take turns reading them out loud and guess which one belongs to who.
- Appetizers: Stick to finger foods. Trader Jo’s and other grocery stores have a wide variety of hummus, dips, cheeses, crackers, nuts, and chips and you can even get pre-cut veggies.
- Entrée: Your guests will already be full from appetizers and won’t want a huge dinner, so stick to something hearty, but bite-sized.
- Dessert: Ask everyone to bring their favorite dessert. If you’d prefer to make it yourself, try making ice-cream sandwiches. Make your favorite cookie dough in advance when you have time, freeze it, and pull it out and put the cookies in the oven the day of. Scoop some ice cream in a bowl, add a cookie on top, and you’ll have a delicious dessert.
- Drinks: Provide the champagne then ask everyone to bring their own favorite drinks and mixes.
- Music: Don’t forget to create a playlist in advance. Make one full of your favorite songs or one that’s New Year’s themed. If you’re not a huge music lover, ask that friend with the gigantic iTunes library to make one for you.
- For more details and inspiration, check out Real Simple‘s tips on how to throw an easy New Year’s party.
