Hostess with the Mostess™

I saw this I saw this coundown champagne flutes idea on marthastewart.com yesterday and just thought it was the cutest idea for New Years! Just attach self-stick numbers (available and craft and office supply stores) to the flutes and you’re all set! (another cute idea would be to arrange champagne flutes in groups of 4 displaying “2007″ with each grouping). And for a super easy decorating idea, check out this cool noisemaker centerpiece.
{images from marthastewart.com}

It’s the time of year when everyone seems to be buzzing about the new year and how they’re going to ring it in this weekend! Whether you’re going out on the town, toasting at a big house party, or just having an intimate celebration at home with your family or a few close friends, there’s just something exciting about counting down those last few seconds of year and thinking of all the fun moments that the new year will bring!

And speaking of last seconds, I’m a little behind on posting ideas for New Years parties this year (promise next year will be way in advance! already have the ideas going…) - but I thought I’d throw in a few cool things for anyone out there that’s in a bind and still planning to run to the store or deal with overnight shipping fees! My favorite thing about New Years parties is the excuse to go all out with as much glitz and sparkle as you can find - so what could be a more fitting choice for dessert than a sparkler cake! (see below) There are a few stores online and even on eBay that offer overnight shipping of these sparkler packs, so if you’re game, here is a link to some google search results that should help you on your way.

And don’t forget to pick up some And don’t forget to pick up some mod party poppers, new years hats, festive cocktail plates, and shimmery appetizer picks and drink stirrers - such as the products shown below from plumparty.com. (Pier 1 actually has some fun sparkly drink stirrers in store - and on sale - right now too!) Happy celebrating, everyone!

Hi Everyone - I’m in Northern California celebrating with family for a few days so I’m off the computer through Wednesday, but please check back Thursday and Friday for some fun New Years party ideas! Hope your holidays have been very merry so far!
Jenn

Thanks so much to Thanks so much to NBC San Diego for featuring Hostess with the Mostess in a segment on creative host & hostess gift ideas that aired this morning! Everything that was displayed on the segment is shown below and can be found at the following stores: perpetual kid, crate & barrel, and one of my favorite new online shops: zanisa. (Also - a special thanks to my husband Sonny - who woke up with me at 4:30 in the morning to help - much appreciated!)

{shown above} {shown above} lift & shake salt and pepper shaker, frog and dog hot heads oven mitts, hop n’ pop bottle opener, and wine lines.

{shown above} peppermint & spicy little pumpkin {shown above} peppermint & spicy little pumpkin holiday soap set, fruit and nut chocolates, aluminum squirrel opener, and the beautiful cooks gift set (featuring a hand-crafted bowl and hand-printed fig towel!)

{shown above} Terra Medi™ {shown above} Terra Medi™ Balsamico Vinegar and Olive Oil, modern white deep sauce dishes, snowflake soaps, and snowflake guest towels.

These holiday goodies are almost too cute to eat! Scroll down for a {very yummy} visual feast to tempt your sweet tooth this holiday…

{shown above} This Martha Stewart igloo cake with marzipan penguins is just about the cutest thing I’ve ever seen…

{shown above} {shown above} Seasonal treats from cake designer Peggy Porschen…

{shown above} {shown above} candy ornaments from marthastewart.com, whipped cream candy cane cake from Sunset Magazine, and holiday cookie gift tins from Eleni’s NYC. (also shown below!)

Hot apple cider has always been a holiday tradition, but here are a few savory ways to get even more creative with apples this holiday season…fun recipes from Rachael Ray - who seems to be taking over the world lately - and yummy spiced apple cocktail mix & rimmer from Stirrings.

{shown above, clockwise from left} {shown above, clockwise from left} Apple Pie Shooter, Buttered Spiked Cider, Relax Already Apple Tea ( take a break from holiday stress!), and Caramel Apple Turnovers. {images from rachaelray.com}

Looks like Santa is all holiday-partied out! I love these holiday cards by bumble ink - fun and different with a very modern twist…sure to bring a smile Click here to check out their entire holiday collection! {via Poppytalk}

Would you ever guess that a coffee table could be the life of the party? Well…check out these fabulous creations by designer Jennifer Ramos – “MadeByGirl” coffee tables that display a unique mix of modern and traditional style – and you’ll understand what I’m talking about. If you’re looking for a great conversation piece…this is it! Beautiful work, Jen! {be sure to check out the MadeByGirl blog too!}

…as in snow & graham! I’m dreaming of a white Christmas with lots of snow & graham goodies like these in Santa’s {hostess} gift bag…

{shown above} {shown above} japanese blossom candle ($22), coral blossom gift wrap ($3/sheet), and coral blossom boxed notes ($17/set)

{shown above}
{shown above} blackberry candle ($22), blackberry gift wrap ($3/sheet), and blackberry boxed notes ($17/set)

These darling cups make me so happy just looking at them…great gift idea if you want to make someone else happy too! (top) French Bull Espresso Set - $38/set of 4. (bottom) Active Imagination Mugs from Anthropolgie - $10/ea.