Host a New Year’s Eve Finger Foods & Cocktails Party

Finding something to do on New Year’s Eve can be overwhelming and stressful - especially when you’ve got little ones to worry about. Your usual babysitter has plans of her own!

Hosting a family-friendly shindig at home can be the answer to your - and your friends - prayers. Try these simple, yet impressive recipes to really please your guests’ palates!

Fig and Bleu Cheese Flatbread

Flatbread pizzas are not only delicious, but they are fun to make. Store-bought pizza dough makes this recipe even simpler. The mix of salty and sweet flavors is a perfect choice for the festive occasion. Cut it into smaller or larger squares depending on the size of your guest list to make sure there’s enough to go around and everyone gets a taste. [photo credit]

Sweet Chicken Bacon Wraps

Your resolutions don’t start til midnight anyway so you may as well eat something a little sinful. These tasty poppers are absolutely decadent. With just four ingredients (not counting the toothpicks), this recipe is a cinch. Be sure to make extra because you can bet these will go fast! [photo credit]

Blush Champagne with Gold Sugar Rim

For a signature cocktail that’s simple but festive-looking, rim your champagne flutes with gold sugar. Your guests will gets a splash of sweet before the bubbly hits their lips and they will surely thank you for it. Pour sparkling cider for the kids so they can feel like grown-ups for the night! [photo credit]

Sparkling Champagne Cupcakes

To finish off the finger food feast, these cupcakes are the perfect touch. The sugary sweet frosting mixes well with the slightly more muted cake and a delicious creamy filling. Bake them in a mini cupcake tin for higher numbers and fewer sugar comas. Let the kids decorate them for a fun afternoon activity while you prepare the rest of the food.

Do you have a favorite recipe for New Year’s Eve bashes? We always love to hear from you! [photo credit]

DIY this Christmas

Decorating your home for Christmas is always a great way to get into the holiday spirit. Making those decorations yourself is an even better way! DIY projects are an ever-growing trend that certainly fits in at Christmastime. Try out some of these fun crafts this year to make your home merry and bright!

Vintage-inspired Silhouette Stockings

Instead of just putting everyone’s name on their stockings, why not put their entire head on there? This quick and easy project requires just a few supplies and has a rustic charm to it. These stockings are fun and unique and are sure to “turn some heads” this season.

http://bit.ly/18vD4QE

Bauble Wreaths

These super-sparkly wreaths look fancy and expensive, but they are actually quite easy to make at home. If you can score some clearance ornaments you will save even more money! The mesmerizing, shiny look of this fun craft will really wow your holiday guests. They’ll think you either spent hours or thousands of dollars on it! http://bit.ly/19OaBR2

New Year's Shimmer

Once you've created this work of art, you might not want to take it down! You really don’t have to either. This stunner can easily be left up through New Year’s and beyond. All you need is a curtain rod, mirrored garland, some twinkle lights and a couple of hooks. Your house will be a sparkling winter wonderland in no time. http://bit.ly/1bL85dS

Christmas in a Jar

Mason jars are quite popular these days and make for some great crafting opportunities. These mini tree scenes in jars are reminiscent of classic snow globes and take very little effort to create. Besides the jars, this project calls for just four other items to complete the look! Try working with different size jars for a nice variety. 

Have you created any fun DIY decor pieces this holiday season? We would love to see/hear about them! Leave your links in the comments! http://bit.ly/1bbnK6h

Make Your Home Cozy this Winter

It’s easy to forget that wintertime isn’t only about the Holidays. Once the Christmas tree is packed away or tossed to the curb, your home may feel a little gloomy. Winter home decor isn’t limited to holly and stockings by the fireplace! Here are some great home decorating tips to keep your home feeling festive and cozy through the coldest month.

 A Warm Throw

On a chilly night, it’s nice to have something to wrap yourself up in while you’re watching TV. A crocheted or knitted throw is nice to have on hand for those occasions. Find one in a nice winter white or a rich, dark color and keep it folded on the arm of your couch or favorite chair so it will be there when you need it!

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DIY Decor

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Decorating for the winter doesn’t mean you have to repaint the walls or install new carpet. There’s also no need to buy all new furniture - not that we’d object if you wanted to! Adding simple accents to your space can help create a mood that is in line with the season. You can create these elements yourself with just a few ingredients too. A glass vessel, some faux snow or even salt, and some twigs or pine cones can be easily transformed into a charming piece of decor.

Swap Out your Throw Pillows

Swapping out your throw pillows is one of the easiest ways to change the look of a room. Changing the colors and textures from season to season will help keep your rooms fresh and timely. Look for pillows with winter-inspired graphics or made of cozy fabrics in rich colors.

With just a few small touches you can transform the look and ambiance of a room. Keep your decorating juices flowing well after the holidays by switching to general winter accents. They are sure to keep that warm and fuzzy feeling alive even in the coldest weather! [image credit]