Have a thrifty New Year

29.12.11 / Uncategorized / Author: TWGranE

Party Supplies: If you have to by new, the best place to buy plates, napkins, cups for any party is the Dollar Tree, not General, not Store. This is the store where everything truly is only $1.

Buy clearance. Buy Christmas themed paper goods. You may be lucky enough to be able to purchase red or gold theme color pattern that will not make your New Year party look like Christmas (although I personally don’t care if I am still eating off of Santa’s cheerful face!

How did Grandma do it? Invest in dessert trays and a punch bowl set. Both are common enough at second hand stores and garage sales. I have my grandmother’s sets of dessert plates, and I love the special cup holder that my punch bowl cup fits right into. The dessert trays are great lap trays and make even lil smokies taste like exquisite hors d’oeurves.

Festive Decor: Out with the old: Get out the old items from other holidays. Poppers, sparklers, silvery star decorations from Fourth of July help bring in the new year with a bang and a sparkle. I love to motivate the kids to get the big pots and pans out and bang on them (outside) with the big wooden spoons.

Add a little ninny hollering and you have yourself a great time. This works until your children are too embarrassed to join you! Mardi Gras beads are great decor, hang them from the chandelier and backs of chairs.

How did Grandma do it? She cleaned. No fancy schmancy center pieces, no cluttering mess. She simply cleaned her house for company.

Confetti is everywhere, whether it is shredded paper, popcorn packaging or an evening craft project for the children, I can’t see spending money on something that you are going to throw and sweep. Unless you’re a rock star, then I’m all for having your photo imprinted on shiney paper and blasted to your adoring fans.

How did Grandma do it? She charted the sky and checked with the almanac to see how the crops would fair for the coming year. After all there is nothing as splendid as a star-filled sky to greet the New Year.