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Photos: Martha Stewart Living and West Elm
Everything from colorful wrapping paper to classic holiday balls can be re-made for the countdown to the New Year. You'll not only save a buck or two, you'll also get a head start on those New Year's resolutions to cut back spending and reduce waste in 2010.
Here our 10 easy to some-elbow-grease-required ideas:
Light up the night
1. The folks at Martha Stewart, ingenious as always, crafted this beautiful light board (above left) using a stretched canvas and white holiday lights. What a great way to backlight a beverage station on the night of the big party.
2. Head back to kindergarten and play with shapes. This Christmas star -- using white Christmas lights -- could also translate to a fun New Year's star (above right). Or create a cool spiral or even spell out "Happy New Year" if you're feeling extra motivated. Plus, let's face it, you're looking for any excuse to postpone wrapping up those lights in a "no-tangle" ball aren't you?
Photos: Martha Stewart Living
3. More crafty ideas from over at Martha Stewart? Shocking. This first idea for shimmery New Year's streamers can be made using left over (or reused) gift wrap. It will take some extra effort, but the end result is as festive as it gets. Opt for metallic patterns for that necessary zing.
4. It's New Year's Eve – you can't serve drinks on an ordinary tray! Repurpose a large scrap of pretty wrap and serve guests in style.
Photos: Kate Spade and Better Homes & Gardens
5. This gem of a dress may be the centerpiece of this Kate Spade ad, but the colorful paper chain quickly caught my eye. You'll need plenty of leftover wrapping and a lot of patience to pull this off, but imagine how stunning the dance floor would look framed in glimmering, over-sized paper chains.
6. Sure, you have the beverage station meticulously mapped out and you've purchased party hats for each guest, but do you have party poppers?! Follow these directions to add an extra pop (ba-da-bing) to your party.
Photos: Better Homes & Gardens and Lolita
7. I always have a hard time throwing out pretty ribbon once all the gifts are unwrapped – here's a simple solution to that. If you're hosting a New Year's dinner, add some ribbon as napkin rings and toss in Christmas baubles on the table for some no-fuss festivity.
8. What's a gal to do with all those leftover jingle bells? Take inspiration from this Lolita glass and tie some bells onto each glass. The perk? When guests' drinks are empty, it'll be easier for them to catch your attention (oooooh, barkeep)!
Photos: Flickr, Bari J. and Freshome.com
9. Got 30 seconds? Then you've got yourself a pretty centerpiece. Group gold or silver balls in a large bowl – maybe even toss a few on the table for that oh-so-casual, photo-shoot ready style.
10. Take inspiration from this (in my opinion) mildly over-the-top centerpiece by layering holiday balls and natural elements (I love the idea of silver balls with kumquats) in a large glass vase. Top with a more simple arrangement of white lilies or even pink peonies for a modernized version.
