Happy New Year!

I am going to spend this last day of 2010 relaxing with my family. It's going to be a quiet New Year's Eve for us tonight, which suits me fine. I will though, run out and get a few things to make it fun for the girls tonight–have them decorate hats and make some noise. I hope that whatever you do, you are surrounded by family and friends.

And I'd like to send a toast to you–my fabulous Home Confetti readers–for checking in every day and for your continued support! Here's to a great year ahead!

Cheers!

RoseMarie

Seeing Stars for New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is a great excuse to bring the glitter and shine back out from Christmas! And what better way to do it than with star-themed decor?! Here are some easy ways to set a starry night for your party–all that you can still make in time for this weekend!

Set the stage with hanging, glittery stars. Spray adhesive glue on cardboard stars you've cut out, and spread on glitter. If you're in a time crunch and budget allows, Michaels has glittered paper at about $1 per sheet, so all you have to do is just cut out your stars. With a moon, you can create a fun "photo booth" area as done here. Photo source here. Or make your stars by gluing glitter and fake snow to a silver cookie cutter, then hang with ribbon. A collection of stars in different sizes, along with metallic streamers, would make a very festive backdrop. Photo from Sandra Lee Christmas mag.

I love this star headband as a fun alternative to party hats! Get the how-to from Design*Sponge here. Your desserts should get some sparkle too! Find out how to make these sugar stars here.

Have the kids make glittery wands. Attach bells so they can use them to make noise at midnight! Photo source here. Finally, give your guests star cookies as a favor. Top them with edible glitter for a real fancy touch! Photo source here.

Whatever you choose to do this Friday night, may your New Year's be shiny and bright!

New Year's Eve Twinkle

A New Year's Eve party is all about shine, glitter, sparkle–and glimmering lights! Add some twinkling magic to drink decanters at your party with this easy idea from Nicole of Tradewind Tiaras. It makes a great presentation and will have guests asking how you did it! Get the easy how-to here.

DIY Fortune Cookie Party Favors

If you're looking for a favor for your New Year's Eve party, these are pretty fun–paper fortune cookies! Send your guests home with some words of wisdom or joke for the upcoming new year. Made from just paper, you can customize these to your party's color theme. Here is one of the better tutorials I've seen to make these, from Hambly Screen Prints.

Merry Monday: Winter Engagement Party

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I made myself stay away from the computer for almost three days. I admit it was a little hard, but I feel totally recharged! And am ready to start off the week with a special party!

I'm sure there were some women this Christmas who received a very special, small, velvet lined box with a memorable gift... an engagement ring! I have to assume that Christmas and Valentine's Day are the days when many men choose to pop the question. So, when I came across this beautiful wintry wedding, I thought it pretty timely and relevant. It makes a beautiful setting for a magical engagement party! It's a fairy tale themed party, with a turquoise and white color palette. Such lovely inspiration for a winter celebration. I'll let the photos tell the story...

To see the rest of the photos, visit Project Wedding here.

A Merry Break

For those of you that will be celebrating Christmas or Kwanzaa this weekend, I wish you a very warm and joyous holiday. I am taking today off to enjoy a festive brunch with friends and family and take care of final preparations for the big day tomorrow!

I will be back on Monday with some more "confetti"!

Cheers!

RoseMarie

Getting Ready

Since we don't have family near us, we always enjoy having some special friends over for the holidays. This year, we're having a few friends over for brunch on Christmas Eve morning. So, I've started taking out the servingware to clean, etc. But when it comes to the decor, I've been able to set a festive room without spending any extra money! Remember the girls' Strawberry Shortcake party (here)? I'm re-using that tablecloth for the table. I made a super simple centerpiece using some random red ornaments I had. I bought snowflakes last year (foam and paper) for my windows, which didn't work, because you could barely see them from the sidewalk--so I'm using those to decorate the chandelier, and finally added some red bows I had to a branch centerpiece I brought in from another room. Done deal!

Even if you don't have these items readily on hand–ribbon, bows and simple ornaments are so inexpensive you can still buy these items for some easy and quick decorating. But first make sure to take a close look at your Christmas decorations. I'm sure you have a lot that's been collected over the years that doesn't really get used. And I bet there's a new way to use them!

Hopefully I'll be able to get a full shot of the table to share with you next week!

DIY Party Shoes!

Here is a different kind of DIY! If you live for fashion, then you might recognize these shoes–or at least who inspired them. These pretty petal sandals are a copy of those from Christian Louboutin. You can generally recognize his shoes by the red bottoms. Tons of celebrities sport his pieces of decorative footwear. But, even if you don't know who he is, you have to admit these are a pair of pretty cute party shoes! Perfect for the holidays–and for the hostess with the mostess! Would you believe this is what the shoes originally looked like??

With the help of some sheer fabric, satin ribbon and double stick velcro, you can convert your old strappy sandals to fun, flirty ones! Jump to this creative DIY at Broke-Ass Bride here to find out how!

Napkin Snowball Decor

Since today's the first day of winter, it seemed appropriate to feature something that has to do with snow, or at least looks a bit like snow! This fluffy snowball-like decoration is made from paper dinner napkins! It's a great addition to any wintery holiday table setting. And placed on a silver candlestick holder as done here, makes it even perfect for New Year's Eve. Jump here for the full tutorial from House of Smiths.

Merry Monday: Kids Christmas Table

It's definitely a challenge to lure the kids away from their new toys to come to the dinner table on Christmas day! But here are a few ideas to make it fun for them and keep them there--at least for a little while!

Grab their attention with a show-stopping centerpiece like one of these! This marshmallow snowman or gingerbread house will be sure to dazzle them. Photo source for snowman here and gingerbread house here.

Make the kids' place settings fun! I love this elf hat using a table napkin from Good Housekeeping here. The Santa napkin rings are a fun touch (source here), as well as the Santa cup holder. If you don't want to use it for candy, use it to hold crayons and coloring pages to keep the kids sitting at the table.

No harm in giving kids a peak at the dessert! These melted snowmen are too adorable and kids will get a kick out of them! (Directions here.) This sea glass jello was submitted by a reader, and I bet it will have the kids "oohing and aahing"! Use red and green to make it especially festive! Thanks Sarah for the tip! (Directions here)

It's a Wrap!

I love a pretty presentation and to be honest I never mind investing a little extra to make a table look extra special. However, when it comes to gift wrapping, I'm definitely more.... practical. After all, it's all going into the garbage when the present has been unwrapped! Here are a few ideas that are inexpensive but still make up a pretty package!

You know those mesh bags that tomatoes or onion come in at your grocery store? They make a great accent to your gift wrapping! And you may not realize, they come in different colors. Plus, this is a great way to reuse items instead of throwing them away. Source here.

Kraft paper is definitely a great alternative to holiday printed paper. It provides a nice blank canvas for many possibilities–and you can use it all year. Use it plain and add a pretty branch of berries or small ornaments tied to a ribbon. Or you can decorate it with stamps as done here--kind of like creating your own wrapping paper print! Let your kids draw on it to display their talents! Source here.

Or, I love this next idea! Instead of using a gift tag, decorate the gift with the person's name. Source here.

Finally, look around the house for leftover items that you can use. Have some leftover cupcake liners? Use them to make frilly flowers to top your packages. For the tutorial, click here. Or have some leftover scrapbook paper? Use it to create this cute topper. Click here for directions.

Today's Takeaway: Balloon Ornament

Did any of you watch "Celebrity Holiday Homes" that aired on HGTV this week?? It featured three event stylists who decorated a different celebrity's home for Christmas: Trisha Yearwood, Sherri Shepherd and Brooke Burke. Each design was, of course, spectacular. The white Christmas theme done in Brooke Burke's house was my favorite... BUT I loved this idea that designer Michael Russo used when putting together Sherri's decor! The ornament in the photo above was made by spray painting a balloon and then simply wrapping ribbon around it! LOVE IT! So smart because most of the time you can't hang something that large because it's too heavy. You can certainly hang a balloon from a ceiling fan, railing, whatever...! I can even see using this idea for a New Year's Eve party--create the NY Times Square crystal ball!

To see a slide show from the HGTV program, click here.

Candy Cane Coffee Cake

It's usually a big relief when another person is hosting a holiday get-together. Frankly, the relief for me is not having to do the cooking! BUT I do miss the extra bit of decorating when I'm not hosting. So, when I am going to someone else's home, I like to bring something that will add to the table's presentation... like this lovely Candy Cane Coffee Cake! It looks and sounds so yummy! And the bow is a really nice touch! I have not attempted this (yet!), so if you give it a try I would love to know how it turned out and even see photos!

For a visual tutorial and link to recipe, click here.

Decorating with Candy

Candy canes, gumdrops, snowcaps, sour ribbon... There are so many candies that are indicative of Christmas, and so many ways to use them to add a fanciful touch to your homes and parties. Candy also lends a very nostalgic feel to your home. Aren't these images wonderful? Click on the names below to find the original posts and how-tos for these ideas. Just don't eat too many while you're decorating!

Top Row:

Candy filled vases, candy-lined windows, candy cane tree

Middle:

Candy garland, candy skewers, gumdrop tree

Bottom Row:

Candy cane sleigh, candy cane candlestick, peppermint candy cake stand, swirl lollipop centerpiece

DIY Jeweled Vase

There are so many colors that come to mind when you think of the holidays: red and green of course, silver and gold... but in recent years I have been seeing a lot of jewel tones, which I love! Reds, purples, emerald greens... love it! That's why I so stopped when I came across this little pretty vase wrapped so lovely in jeweled garlands! This was actually made with beaded bracelets on a canning jar. There are so many beaded garlands you can find in the stores now to make one of your own. Adapt the colors to match your table's decor--or to your mood! This is so inexpensive to make you can certainly make more than one! Photo source here.

Merry Monday: New Year's Eve Table

Happy Monday! For today, I just want to jump over Christmas and look forward to New Year's Eve with a great party table! Although this was originally designed for a birthday party--it really has an ideal look for New Year's Eve. The shimmery garland backdrop and use of black ribbon really screams "Happy New Year!"

Since your New Year's Eve will probably start on the later side, you may not have a food table, so you can justify going a bit "all out" with a beautiful dessert table like this one. (A dip, cheese platter, or other appetizer is definitely recommended to offset all the sweet!) Designed by Le Cupcakerie, the table was also used to display the favors, which are so pretty. Take a close look. There are so many great details! How cute are the bow ties on the champagne glasses? See more of all the DIY goodness at her blog here!

Spectacular Sugar Plum Fairy Party

I had to reschedule my original post today for this one! This party that debuted on TomKat Studio yesterday is nothing short of spectacular! It really is what little girls' dreams are made of. This Sugar Plum Fairy/Nutcracker birthday party was designed by Nicole Willis, owner of Tradewind Tiaras, for her daughter's best friend. (Nice to know such talented people!) Feast your eyes on these few photos. From the amazing backdrop to the quilled paper snowflakes to the snowflake garlands, the details are stunning. Jump to TomKat Studio here to see the rest of the party. Plus, there is a fabulous giveaway to win 12 Swarovski napkin rings!

Wine Bottle Light

Isn't this wine bottle light awesome?! I was really hoping to test this one out before I posted it, but with all the other necessary holiday crafts we've been working on, I just haven't had the chance. I want to try it by covering a clear bottle with white doilies and tissue paper to create a bit of a wintry scene with it. If I ever get to it I will certainly post it.

This wine bottle light will add a unique touch of elegance to any party–way beyond the holidays! Check out the full how-to details here.

O Christmas Trees

Just like the DIY Wreaths I featured here, there are sooo many beautiful and creative DIY trees you can make to adorn your homes. It was so hard to narrow them down to eight! I seriously could have made this 20 trees long! Here are a few of my top favorites. I hope these inspire you to add a little Christmas tree to your tabletop or mantle.

Tis the season to glitter! Aren't these so pretty? At left: Love the way the glitter gives this tree a sweet wintry feel. Follow the directions here at Lorajeans Magazine, or you can create this tree with felt circles as shown here. At right: The red glitter tree is so elegant and I especially love the way it was placed in a gold pot! The dangling ornament topper of the other tree gives it a cute quirky feel. Get the double dose of tree how-to here from "her beautiful mess."

Left: How adorable is that little bird perched at the top on the middle tree? The homespun yarn certainly gives these trees a cozy feel. Get the how-to at Pretty Ditty here. Right: These trees are made from mini beads found at Joann's and could be used even for a wedding! So unique. Set on silver candleholders they would be perfect for a winter wonderland tablescape. Find the full post here at All Things Heart and Home.

Here are two trees made with paper. The first one at left may look familiar because I posted it on our Facebook page a while ago. The colorful whimsy look makes it one of my favorites. Find the project here at crate paper. At right is a simple tree from Bird Crafts that only uses paper! Find the tutorial and template here.

This twine and ribbon tree is a showstopper! Perfect for a rustic woodland table or party. Find the complete tutorial for this one and other variations at Lemon Tree Creations here. And finally, here is a traditional ribbon tree that is simple to make and offers many possibilities. I like this color scheme because you can easily keep it out to New Year's. Find the how-to here from The Elephant's Trunk.

DIY Christmas Ball Bouquet

I love the unexpected! Bringing together natural branches from the backyard with glittery ball ornaments makes a lovely, unexpected centerpiece. I would suggest taking this one step further by wrapping the quilt batting in the glass vase with a top layer of fun glittery tulle. (I just noticed our Hobby Lobby sells tulle in a rainbow of colors! hmmm... wheels are turning!) Change the balls to black and silver and use this bouquet for New Year's–or colors to complement any party, even a birthday party. So many ways to use this cute, easy idea! Get the how-to at Indie Fixx here.

Merry Monday: Holiday Tables

I wanted to start this week with a bang by showcasing some of the amazing creativity that's been happening around the blogosphere! And most importantly, I want to make sure you all don't miss any of it! I wish there was time to spotlight each one of these on their own, because there is so much goodness to learn from each one, but there just isn't time. I picked each of these for specific reasons... SO, grab your coffee (or whatever your drink of choice is!), sit back and scroll through some great inspiration for your holiday tables. If you aren't familiar with any of these party stylists, I encourage you to spend some time on their blogs for great ideas, motivation or just plain eye candy!

Inspired by The Nutcracker, this dreamy fantasy-scape was created by Kate Landers Events for a young girl's party. This one photo doesn't serve the party justice. The table is dressed with a three-tiered, ruffled table covering and there is a complementing table for the lucky party girls. Click here to see the meticulous details.

A bold, red background certainly sets the stage for this festive dessert table done by Anders Ruff. When using a strong background, keep your table accents simple or plain, as done here with the solid colored platform boxes and confections. All the printables are designed by Anders Ruff and can be purchased in their etsy shop accessible from their blog here.

This "Cocktails and Cheers" table is a great example of how just a few accessories can really dress up your table. Decor such as the colorful, felt garland, the trim around the candle holders, and ornaments adorning the spoons are inexpensive and easy to execute. Designed by Celebrations at Home, their blog offers great inspiration with designs you can use for your own "real life" parties. Jump to their blog here.

I love the elegance of this simple Parisian-styled table that was done for an open house by Icing Designs. I love the use of ribbon as a backdrop. Use ornaments as done here, faux crystals or pinecones for your table. Take advantage of all the glittery and pretty ornaments and decorations that are available in stores now for the holidays. The banner was also done by Icing Designs. They have fabulous handcrafted paper goods. Visit Icing Designs here.

This is a great example of how you can use candy to build your color palette. And I love the fullness and texture of the paper snowflakes above. Done by The Party Dress (aka The Well Heeled Hostess), it's a perfect table appealing to both kids and adults. All labels were done by The Well Heeled Hostess too, and can be purchased via their site. Visit The Party Dress here.

Finally, I happened to find this one as I was dabbling online. It's kid-friendly, yet still sophisticated. Photo source here.

Whew! If that doesn't get you in the holiday spirit, I don't know what will!! Until tomorrow-cheers!

Funny Faces

Tis the season to shop, wrap, eat... and to take tons of photos! After you take the obligatory formal portraits, lighten things up with these fun photo props! It'll definitely help the kids if they start getting cranky. How fun are these?!

Turn your subjects into Santa or Rudolph with these fun props from Paper & Cake. Visit Paper & Cake's blog here. You can buy them directly from their shop here.

Set up a photo booth area at your holiday party and use these hysterical lips and mustache to get some fun souvenirs of the party. Send the finished photos with your thank-yous. Best of all, you can download these free at Living Locurto here.

DIY Holiday Wreaths

My goal for getting holiday decorations up is usually the first weekend in December. So, with that in mind, there is still time to make a nice wreath. Here are just a few of my favorites that go beyond the usual greenery and pinecones.

These two wreaths both use yarn that gives them each a warm and cozy feel. The wreath at left from Life as a Pepin combines yarn balls and ornaments. A perfect complement to the Christmas tree, this would look great above a mantle. If you want to save a little money, wrap yarn around $1 store ornaments instead of buying the styrofoam balls. Click here for the complete how-to. The wreath at right serves as great inspiration because the yarn lets you come up with so many variations of colors and patterns. Use red and white to create a peppermint pattern. Embellishments like white doves would also be really pretty. Photo source here.

I just want to squish these two wreaths! I love the lushness of each one! The one at left is made with red fleece. Find directions here. The one on the right is made with cupcake liners. This wreath, originally made for Valentine's Day by Tatertots and Jello, can certainly be used for Christmas. Just add a green "flower" if you want to use traditional colors. Get the how-to here.

Looking for something more unique with a lot of color?? These will do it for you! I love the mix of patterns and whimsy feel of the first wreath from Piccadilly Peddlers here. I am in awe of the one on the right. You can certainly use this beyond the holidays to welcome spring. Almost too pretty to put away! Find the directions here at Fancy Pants Designs.

But, if you're looking for a wreath that's quick and easy to make, yet still gives you pretty results, one of these should do the trick. The one at left from Creature Comforts here is basically made from just wrapping a tinsel garland around a styrofoam wreath. The one at right was made from tying ribbon around a metal hoop. From Sunset, see the directions here. You can also achieve this same effect by pinning ribbon loops into a styrofoam wreath.

Brilliant Bash Giveaway Winner and Party!

I am so happy to annouce that reader, "randreozzi," is the winner of the Brilliant Bash Giveaway! Randreozzi: PLEASE contact me, as your profile did not include an e-mail address. We want to get your Holiday Prize Pack to you right away! Thanks so much to everyone who entered!

I actually want to share with you a party from Laura of Brilliant Bash. Laura recently celebrated her birthday and threw a festive, yet sophisticated "Ladies and Gentlemen" themed celebration. Check it out!

I love the houndstooth pattern and she did all the details herself, including the ruffled cake and cookies. Brilliant, indeed!

To see the rest of the photos from her birthday soiree, visit Brilliant Bash here. And thanks again to Laura for giving Home Confetti its first giveaway!