Page 23 - North Haven Magazine Issue 11 Holiday 2019

The idea of Thanksgiving The turkey was delicious,
is a holiday that fills me the gifts were beautiful-
with joy. This is the time ly wrapped and now it's
to gather with those you time for the final cele-
love and show your grat- Ready For The bration of the year... New
itude for all that is dear Years Eve! I love NYE and I
to you. As the holiday could tell you it's because
approaches, I cannot of new beginnings and
help but think of how I yada yada yada, but truth
will set the most beau- be told, I love the party!!
tiful table for my guests. For the past 20 years I've
hosted a NYE party and
I like to design my ta- I've learned a few things
blescape in layers. I www.designhousect.com over those years… some
start with the tablecloth, do's and don'ts as they
carefully chosen with say… so I'm here to share
Judi Granucci the theme of this par- Christmas is the decorat- Jennifer Napolitano my party girl wisdom for
ticular year. Color is the ing highlight of the year! those who are looking to
beginning of the theme, and that creates the Lights, glitter, special or- stay in and party on! Here are my NYE party must
palette. This year I will be using coral to an- naments collected over Do's:
chor the table, and then use either runners or the years. Right after
placemats for that punch. Using white dishes Thanksgiving it begins,
always makes it fun to adorn the rest of the starting with the parts
tablescape. Now, the napkins! These are cho- of the house that are
sen with just the right pattern to bring out the natural focal points. The
colors. Always in cloth and always either fold- mantel gets a dressing of
ed, or rolled with a delicious napkin ring, or bunched pillar candles.
placed in your cup. At times I use pieces from Fill a few tall glass jars
my mom that are dear to my heart in warm with red and green orna-
plaids, or add lots of silver or gold flatware. ments and add them to
the mantel and you have
color, or silver and gold
Ramona Eldridge for a more elegant under-
stated look. Apothecary
jars - also filled with ornaments - get grouped on
the kitchen island along with a covered glass cake Do: Send out your invitations in the beginning of
dish filled with holiday sweets and cookies. The December! It's a busy time of year, if you want
stair railings get dressed by garlands of greenery your party to rock, get those guest excited with a
with sprays of pine cones, ribbon, and berries tied fun, festive invitation that will start the buzz!
to them.
Do: Plan for overnight guest! There will always
be the NYE over indulger so plan ahead with extra
pillows, blankets and air mattresses at the ready.
Do: Decorate! Pack away that other holiday decor
because New Years has a look all its own! I love
to decorate with black, silver and gold… an easy
palette that goes with every look!
Do: Clear the clutter and open up your space... af-
ter all, you'll need a dance floor!
Do: Lower the lights and turn up the music! A
NYE playlist is a must. Start off with something
The centerpiece always makes the biggest toe tapp'in and then when the time is right crank
statement. Loving the tall stalks of bittersweet up those dance hits! (For some extra fun, set up a
and other vines placed in just the perfect con- microphone for those daring karaoke folks)
tainer. And I never forget the turkeys, pump-
kins, candles placed just right on the table. Do: Separate the food and bar area. Keep the par-
ty moving around and keep these two areas apart.
And for the, pièce de ré·sis·tancel I love mak- Try food in the kitchen, bar in the dining room.
ing the place cards to help everyone feel com- Pass hors’d’oeuevre around on a tray, it's a great
fortable about where to sit. A little surprise opportunity to get to chat with everyone at the
awaits them as they turn over the card and party. Also, designate a guest to help or tend bar,
see that they have been assigned a chore! everyone will become fast friends!
Justin needs to be sure there’s enough bread
on the table, and Janet is commissioned to Do: Create a photo op! Everyone loves a good sel-
pour the wine. Eliese is in charge of the kids. fie, set up a designated spot with a fun backdrop
Corrine, makes sure the dogs are fed and hap- and/or props like funny hats, boa's or wigs.
py as we sit down at the table. (Rita, don’t for-
get to warm the apple pie) but the most fun is Do: Put on Dick Clarks Rockin’ NYE countdown
for the person who gets to carve the turkey. Giant swags of decorated greenery surround the and plan for the big moment by passing out cham-
And that is revealed by selecting a name out front door at my house, crowned with Christmas pagne, party hats and noisemakers minutes be-
of the “pumpkin”. bells and ornaments at the top and white lights fore the ball drop!
throughout. Every window gets a wreath with a
I, for one, am very grateful for my family and giant red bow and white lights go on the shrub- And my biggest NYE Party DO... Do have a good
friends and that I have the opportunity to set bery framing the door. The whole effect is magi- time! Don't stress, smile, make jokes, laugh and
a beautiful table for my guests that day. cal! Spend a little time and love on yourself and dance the night away...it's a party, and after all,
your home - a comfortable beautiful space can tomorrow is a new beginning!
make your life better - and you are worth it!

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