Everyone wants to ring in the New Year in a special way. I know I want to! However, no one seems to have the time or the budget to dress up their home after Christmas. I know I am not the only one that leaves their tree up and considers that decoration enough for the New Year. This year is different! After finding these gold foil stars, I am determined to put them up to celebrate 2012. They are fun, festive, and affordable.

Gold foil garlands that match the stars will add to the festivities. Both stars and garlands are collapsible and easy to hang up.  I am planning on putting these up with gusto before our New Year’s Eve party. As everyone sips some bubbly these foil decorations will help put them in the mood to welcome in the New Year.

NEW YEAR’S DAY DINNER?

Not everyone celebrates New Year’s Day. Given that New Year’s Eve is one of the most popular days of the year for having a party, few people throw one the day after. However, there are some people that do, like me.

A few years back I started making a special dinner to celebrate the first day of the year. A traditional meal for this holiday is ham, black eyed peas, and cabbage. Each element of the meal represents good tidings for the New Year. I’m game for anything that may bring me good luck!

Why are the foods in this meal considered to be good luck? Cabbage represents “green” money. It is said that black-eyed peas were the only crop left in the South after the North burned the fields during the Civil War. One explanation for ham being good luck is that pigs root in the dirt in a forward direction. Other animals push the dirt behind them. So eat some ham for a forward-looking attitude in the new year!

This year I am planning on sharing this meal with friends.  As a result I have been planning and imagining my tablescape.  Mercury glass has been a hot trend lately for home décor. Luna Bazaar has some great pieces of mercury glass votives at low prices.  The best thing, (and my favorite part), is that these votives look expensive.  There are also a lot of other votives available from Luna Bazaarthat you can mix in with the mercury glass for fun.  You can pair in your favorite color or one for luck for this special day.  I think everyone could use a bit more luck, don’t you?

Mercury Glass Collection from Luna Bazaar
Silver and Gold Votives, Vases and Candlesticks.

Happy New Year, and Happy Decorating!
– Bethany