When we were in need of fun and fab — yet easy — New Year’s Eve party ideas, we knew just who to call: the incomparable Erica Cook! Erica is a Calgary-based interior designer of Moth Design fame, as well as a mother to five fantastic boys. She shared her quick tips for hosting a stress-free get-together to welcome the New Year, and we can’t wait to say goodbye to 2016 in style!
I love New Year’s Eve for so many reasons; maybe because there’s something magical about a fresh start. The celebration is much more than just a party, it’s a renewed chance to accomplish dreams and goals and reevaluate for a new year. I enjoy hosting at my home every year. It’s become a tradition. Somehow I have license to justify all of the glitter, sparkle, metallics and pretty decor my heart desires. I start thinking about a theme or look early in November, but it helps that there’s always a pocket of time after boxing day to get more organized. Anything I order before Christmas always arrives in time.
This year I decided for the first time to host in the little cottage I have out back in the yard. It’s cozy and intimate with a fireplace and informal seating yet still fits my guest list.
We’ve decorated for a post to share with you on how to recreate the same look. However we’ll be hosting the real party on New Year’s Eve.
I went with steely grey blues, silvers and copper. In a nod to a time of classic cocktails, cut crystal and polished nickel, I wanted everything to be reminiscent of the deco era. The evening’s signature cocktails: moscow mule and old fashioned with champagne for toasting at midnight. I kept the food simple with a charcuterie boards from Cured Deli. My friends at Amborella Floral Studio suggested a mix of eucalyptus and magnolia leaves in a garland with evergreens. The mix of copper and sage blue tones compliment the other accessories.
- Copper Cocktail Shaker for moscow mule prep and Large Cut Glass Shaker for Old Fashioneds — this made it easy to differentiate and eliminated the need for cleanup in-between cocktail prep.
- A Copper Lidded Ice Bucket held individual champagne bottles chilling.
- I went with heavy cut Library Glassware for serving old fashioned and Copper Moscow Mule Mug for the Moscow mules.
- Updated pillow covers (like the Esme Embroidered Pillow Cover) and a fluffy white faux fur throw (like the Gathered Faux Fur Throw).
- Silver German Glitter Letter Ornaments were ordered to spell out N-Y-E, and a selection of pretty Travelers Homescent Journey Votives woven into a garland from Amborella for the fireplace.
- The simplest addition is a one-of-a-kind PB Found Dough Bowl (that can be used throughout the year) with some Mercury Glass Ornaments casually placed inside.
- New lamps (like these Jamie Young Ceramic Column Table Lamps) and plenty of Mercury Glass Votive Candles and Flickering Flameless Candles cast a warm glow and create ambiance.
- Charcuterie from Cured Deli comes all set up on wooden chop blocks. I laid out some additional Marble Cheese Knives and the food was set.
Food:
- Canapés and finger foods
- Cake to be served at midnight
Party Favors:
- Noise Makers
- Crowns
- Confetti Poppers
- Sparklers and Matches
Entertainment:
- Playlist and sound system; it’s perfectly acceptable to use your phone and a bluetooth speaker.
- Create a hashtag for your evening and/or your own Snapchat filter so your guests can share.
- Set an alarm so you don’t miss the countdown amidst the fun!
Wishing you and your guests the most amazing New Year’s Eve and all the best in 2017!
Featured products:
- Copper Cocktail Shaker
- Large Cut Glass Shaker
- Copper Lidded Ice Bucket
- Library Glassware
- Copper Moscow Mule Mug
- Esme Embroidered Pillow Cover
- Gathered Faux Fur Throw
- Silver German Glitter Letter Ornaments
- Travelers Homescent Journey Votives
- PB Found Dough Bowl
- Mercury Glass Ornaments
- Jamie Young Ceramic Column Table Lamps
- Mercury Glass Votive Candles
- Flickering Flameless Candles
- Marble Cheese Knives