What are you doing New Year's Eve?

Wow, doesn't it seem like yesterday that we were embarking on Y2K? I was only a junior in high school, who happened to invite a few too many friends over at the last minute as my parents went out to celebrate. (My mom was born on NYE, just about an hour and twenty minutes short of New Year's Day!) Now I'm grown up....and and still inviting as many friends as I please to ring in the new year!

Don't you just love a reason to pull out the sparkle? New Year's Eve has always been a favorite of mine. Parties, bands, good food....champagne!!

Throwing a good old fashioned house party? Why not try a few of these?

I went out and bought several party hats and noise makers. While Martha Stewart suggests using a cake stand, mine is temporarily being housed by my winter centerpiece in my dining room. Instead, why not pull out one of the many pewter pieces you have stored away? It's already shiny and happy! If you don't have any tinsel handy, sprinkle confetti across the table and platter and arrange your party loot! Simple, huh?

I think I already mentioned champagne. I love champagne! If you bring me a bottle, I will love you forever....and mix you up something good! Remember that Christmas party we had a few weeks ago with friends? I dug up a good ol' recipe from the December issue of Martha Stewart Living. It's easy, frothy, sweet....it's down right delish. Plop a teaspoon of soften sherbet or sorbet in a flute and fill the rest with champagne. Heaven in a glass.

Don't forget the traditions of all traditions...Auld Lang Syne. Print out the lyrics on pretty paper and hand them out to your guests with the champagne. One of my all time favorites versions is Mairi Sine Campbell's. Maybe you heard on the Sex and the City movie?

Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind?

Should old acquaintance be forgot,and old lang syne ?

For auld lang syne, my dear, for auld lang syne.

We'll take a cup of kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Whatever you plan to do, do it up right and have a drink for me!

**Pictures courtesy of Martha Stewart.com