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Wednesday, December 31, 2008

IT'S A NEW YEAR'S EXPLOSION!

No, I'm not posting more Christmas decorations! Believe it or not, they are all put up, and it looks like New Years exploded on my Christmas tree. After I take the Christmas ornaments off of one of our Christmas trees, I decorate it for New Years.






And I do a little New Year's decorating on the fireplace.


Since I don't know anyone else who has a New Year's tree, I get to make the rules. My only rule is that my grandchildren and I do not "arrange" anything on the tree. We just throw it up there, because in my humble opinion (which is the only opinion, since I'm the only person with a N.Y tree) a New Year's tree is supposed to look wild and crazy (sort of like a New Year's Eve celebration-the tackier the New Year's decor is, the better!)



See my New Year's cracker nut? When one of my granddaughter's was 3 years old, she started telling me about the "cracker nuts" she saw in a store at Christmastime. Now, the whole family calls them cracker nuts.


Of course, a New Year's Eve party should have a champagne table (even if you're like me and don't drink champagne--I've never acquired a taste for it!)



I tried to put a little glitz on the New Year's Eve dinner table.


I guess I gave up any chance of glitzy when I used my old trick of placing a paper plate under a glass plate. I do have silver colored chargers edged in clear stones. That's kind of glitzy, right? I got these chargers on the sale aisle at Tuesday Morning a couple of years ago. I just realized, when I looked at this picture, that my knife and fork pattern do not match in this place setting. When I put up the silverware after Christmas, I just dumped all of it into my silver chest without separating it. That's how I ended up grabbing a knife that doesn't match the other silverware on the table. (Of course, I would take a picture of the only place setting that had unmatching silverware!)


I'm using some things on the table that only get used once a year. (I know, it's crazy to keep something that I'm only going to use once a year, but I've tried getting rid of them, and my children don't want them). We received silver champagne goblets for a wedding gift (silver wasn't as expensive back then). I really dislike polishing silver, so I only bring out the champagne goblets for New Year's (and since I don't like champagne, I don't know why I should polish goblets for everyone else to drink from). We selected Moonspun by Lenox as our china and crystal pattern when we got married. As I've said before in this blog, we were very young when we married. I didn't have the sense to think about that if we selected china and crystal with a silver rim, I might not be able to put them in the dishwasher. Of course, when we first married, we didn't have a dishwasher, so it was awhile before I realized that my china and crystal were not going to get much use.



Here's something else that only gets put on the table once a year. It's not very practical, but, of course, I got it on sale. The champagne in a bucket is a salt and pepper shaker. The men in my family think it is a silly thing, so I have to put "regular" salt and pepper shakers on the table too.



The champagne bottle is the salt shaker, and the ice on the side of the bucket has holes for the pepper. (Okay, the guys are right, it's not very practical, but it is kind of cute, and cute is more important than practical, right?).




I tried to add a little glitz with sparkly sprigs in my centerpiece. I'm afraid I'm just not a naturally glitzy gal.




This cup/bowl (I guess it's a soup bowl?) was a gift from my mother years ago. We had seen it in an antique store, and I did enough ooing and ahhing over it that she went back and bought it for my birthday. We traditionally use it for confetti at our New Year's celebrations. (Yes, I vacuum up confetti for weeks, especially since the grandchildren have come along. When they learned that the sparkly stuff in the bowl at my house was for throwing up in the air in wild abandonment, they started liking New Years almost as much as Christmas! We sing happy birthday to the new year while they are tossing confetti everywhere--happy birthday is the only song that even the youngest one knows).



Can you read the words? "Take Ye a Cuppe O Kindnesse For Auld Lang Syne". Now you see why this has become our confetti bowl for New Years. (I tried to dump the confetti out to take this picture-obviously some of it stayed in the bowl).



Maybe the table looks a little more glitzy in candlelight. (you can't see the paper plates as well!)




Thank you so much for coming by to see the explosion. WISHING EACH OF YOU AND YOURS A WONDERFUL 2009! laurie




71 comments:

Four Paws and Co said...

Happy New Years Laurie! I like your New Years tree idea. I bet the grand kids have a ball at your house. Your table is very glitzy! I love your champagne bottle/bucket s&p. They're adorable! (I whimsical things.) ☺ Diane

Four Paws and Co said...

Geesch, I can't read or write it seems. I LOVE whimsical things.

Unknown said...

You are to funny. You are the only one i know of who decorates for New years and i love it. Love it! I don't drink either ,but i can still drink my soda pop out of pretty glasses, you too. Cheers and a lovely table setting too. mishelle

Anonymous said...

Now that's pretty, you have the first tree I have ever seen decorated for New Years Eve. And your table is beautiful. I don't know why, but this year, I am partied out, so I'll spend a quite evening at home. And that's a first for me. LOL Hope you have a wonderful New Year.

Hugs,
Chris

Kat said...

How fun! I haven't seen a home decorated for New Years since my mother-in-law passed. And your table is gorgeous. Have a great New Year. hugs, Kathy

Femin Susan said...

Hi......
Your blog is really interesting... Keep posting.... Wishing you " A Happy New Year''

Kathleen Ellis said...

It looks like you have a very fun New Year's Eve! The tree is great! I bet the grandchildren love to decorate it! Your table looks fun and festive...and GLITZY! paper plates and all! Paper plates can be very glitzy...I'm using them tonight, too! Look what Deb does with paper plates...amazing!!!
That "glitter bowl" is beautiful! Are there any manufacturer markings on it? You have some of the coolest stuff!
HAPPY NEW YEAR, HAPPY NEW DREAMS COME TRUE!

Knittings Nice! said...

What a wonderful fun New Year setting....I think everyone will have a wonderful time....enjoy...I wish you a very Happy and Healthy 2009...best wishes from across the pond.

Lynette said...

I love your table Laurie!! I can't wait to see what 2009 has to offer us!
Happy New Year ~

Bridget said...

Now you've got me in the mood to glitz up my house for the evening. Hubby and I will just be spending a quiet evening at home and as always, he will be fast asleep before the new year is rung in.
Re: Salt and pepper, yes, cute is much more important than functional.
Re: Tackier is better on NYE trees, I think we have a winner. LOL Seriously, what a cute idea, if my tree was not already down, I might have to borrow this idea.
Tomorrow as many are putting away the Christmas decor, will your tuxedoed cracker nut will be joining the other cracker nuts in the hall cupboard?
I love your once a year bejeweled chargers.
Happy New Year, Bridget

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

Oh Laurie Thanks for the PAR-TY girl..that was so fun..loved every thing you did...I wish you a safe and a blessed year to come..I don't drink at all so when I get up in the morning thats as good as I am going to feel all day he he !!Love to your family Laurie..I bet you'll have a drink and sleep with the BOSS...hugs and smiles Gloria

SmilingSally said...

I've never seen a New Year's tree before. How fun! Your table looks terrific. I adore that salt & papper shaker. Happy New Year!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Happy New Year Laurie, I have never seen a tree decorated for New Year's Eve..I love all the whimsy. I know your grandchildren have a ball..Your table is "gorgeous" girl.. I love all the silver.. how many guests are you expecting this evening? I know a good time will be had by all..
Happy New Year my friend.
hugs ~lynne~

Confessions of a Plate Addict said...

Oh Laurie...I LOVE this post! I think it is my favorite. I can just picture your family enjoying New Year's eve! I love all the glitz and glam. You've added all the right touches. I don't care what the men say, the champagne bucket salt and pepper shaker is adorable! And the confetti bowl is perfect! But I've gotta say...you are one sweet grandma to allow confetti-throwing by the grandbabies!!! lol No wonder they love to come over...I would, too! And singing Happy birthday to the New Year...priceless! Not to mention that New Years tree. I bet all the kids in the neighborhood wish they had you for their grandma. I am so glad I got to meet you, my friend! You are such a terrific warm and funny person! Hugs in this New Year...Debbie

LillyB said...

Okay Sister! You are truely the Queen of Decorating! This was amazing and fun at the same time!! I haven't even taken my Christmas decorations down yet...I am saving that for tomorrow since I will be off. What a great idea with the tree and your mantle and table are so beauiful! Happy New Year my sweet friend. The best is yet to come!! God Bless you!!

Carol said...

Your New Years decorations are beautiful!
Best wishes for a very happy & blessed 2009!
Hugs,
Carol

Bo said...

Hi Laurie...This is one
"explosion" I wouldn't have wanted to miss for anything in the world...LOL...You really know how to put fun into life. You are a glitzy decorator...I love the epergne with the sparklies in it on your table...it looks beautiful!
Happy New Year! Big hugs, ♥ Bo

Anonymous said...

LOVE your new year's decorations! your table is glitzy..and I love it!

Happy New Year... see you in 2009!

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Laurie! I love your tree and table! It's all wonderful!

Deb said...

Hi Laurie! I love this! The tree looks full of fun. The table is just beautiful! I've never seen so many beautiful things. Great idea! Deb

Helen said...

Dear Laurie, I think you may have started a whole new trend! Your New Year's decorations are awesome, especially the table. I really like the chargers! Happy New Year!

Salmagundi said...

Your post was great today. I love that you put so much effort into a celebration for your family. I know my grand kids would be wild over the confetti bowl. May 2009 be more for you than just vacumning confetti!!! Sally

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Laurie, what a fabulous idea with the New Year's tree. Your table and decorations are wonderful. I have so enjoyed all your posts this year and look forward to seeing all the great things you do next year. Happy New Year. Hugs, Marty

Anonymous said...

My dear Laurie you have done it again! Another holiday that I wish I was coming to your house and of course bringing all of my family to enjoy this wonderful setting. That is just the most beautiful table and your NYE tree and mantle are fabulous! You may have been young when you got married but you always had great taste.. so beautiful. I will carry this picture in my heart of your grandkids and the confetting, singing Happy Birthday to the New Year, what a priceless memory. With every new thing you share I am so in awe of your creativity and energy and most of all the love you share with your family. Love, Cindy

Unknown said...

Laurie....that is the most cleaver idea I've seen in a long time. CUTE, CUTE, CUTE! And the table setting is great; I like your creativity with the paper plates. You win the creative prize today...Happy New Year

Coloradolady said...

What a wonderful festive look. I think your holiday decor is just wonderful. What special memories you are making for your grandchildren. Memories they will never forget!

Lovely Post and a lovely festive New Years Look! Wishing you a very happy 2009!

Lady Katherine said...

I love your glitzy and sparkles! The ice bucket is so cute. You may not wanted silver and china as a young woman, but you now so many lovely pieces! I did get china back in 1977 when I was married, but my brother did a spin out and all broke but a couple of pieces! Never replaced the pattern. Just went for the ones I love now! lol Love your New Years Tree! Wishing you and yours a very Happy New Year!

nikkicrumpet said...

How could you not have a glorious New Years Eve dinner on a table that pretty! I even think the paper plates are adorable!!! I love your New Years tree...what a fun idea! I hope you have a wonderful celebration. And I hope 2009 brings you tons of joyous days and health and happiness to you and everyone you love!

Anonymous said...

I am still in awe that you have all those Christmas decorations down already! I haven't even started!

WHat a festive and pretty table you set for New years. WE have never even had a new years dinner- just lots of game playing and finishing up eating all the Christmas goodies!!

I love your new years tree! I had a friend who kept her tree up and decorated it for Valentines-

HAve a Wonderful New Years!

blessings
mary

artis1111 said...

Happy New Years! Have a great evening. Love the decorations. Kathy

Chari at Happy To Design said...

Hello Girlfriend & Happy New Year's Eve!!!

Oooh...I've been ready for a party...hehe!!! I love your New Years tree...it's glitzy and everything a N.Y. tree should be...I love the idea!!!

And...I love your tablescape...it's simply dreamy!!! I love all that shiny silver...Oooh...so pretty!!! Your centerpiece is gorgeous...I'm sorry, call me a "dingy blonde" but what is it that you're using for that? Are they vases? Okay, now I know I'm sounding "blonde" ...hehe!

Anyway...just wanted to stop by your place on New Years Eve and tell you how much I appreciate you and that our friendship is one of the blessings that I count for 2008!!! You're such a sweetheart & I love ya!!!

Chari

Sue said...

lOVE YOUR NEW YEARS TREE, A GREAT IDEA, ALSO THANKS FOR SHARING ALL YOUR ONCE A YEAR PRETTIES, LOVE THEM ALL.

HAPPY YEAR YEAR !!!!!!!!!


SUE

Anonymous said...

Hi Laurie,

I just got back from Ohio and could not wait to check my favorite blogs - which is why I at yours now! I love the New Year's decor and I admire you for still having the energy to do it!

Have a great night!

Gail

lvroftiques said...

A little decorating?? Good golly girl that's a decorating explosion!! Your tree FABULOUS!! Your tablescape WONDERFUL!! (Lovin' that epergne! And the transferwar bowl!!) All together AMAZING!! I'm throwing some confetti in your honor *winks* Vanna

Ldy ~~ Dy said...

Gosh!! I love your New Years decorations! They are too cool!!That little salt and pepper shaker! Just great!! Peace, Joy and Happiness to you and all your family!

Anonymous said...

Dear Laurie~~~ I am TOTALLY ENCHANTED/BLOWN AWAY with this blog you did today!!!~~~~ What A WONDERFUL, GLITZY/BLING-BLING TABLE filled with fun memories EVERYWHERE!!! And the read was TOTALLY DELIGHTFUL!!! The BEST EVER, kiddo! Thanks sooooooo much for this smile on New Years Eve, kiddo~~~ You made MY mind, and MY HEART, trace back several years to the more MEMORABLE & WONDERFUL NY'S EVEs and wow! What fun it has been reminiscing!!! THANKS AGAIN for "lighting my fire" of memories~ You've GOT the best one of the world's BEST Gramas, too!!! Love, Linda

Anonymous said...

~~~That LAST sentence SHOULD read: You've got TO BE ONE OF the world's best Gramas too!!!~~~~ Hugs, Linda (And nope, that mistake's NOT from "early bubbly", as I don't drink either! Chuckles!)~ XO Linda

Unknown said...

Hi Laurie!
I hope you have a wonderful New Year!
Your home is set to P. A. R. T. Y!

What a great idea!!!

~Liz

ellen b. said...

Happy New Year Laurie! I love your New Year's Table! It's so sparkly!!

Ginger said...

Wish I was going to be at your house for New Years...sounds like a fun time is going to be had by all.
Happy New Year!!!
Ginger

Myrna said...

Wow you really glammed up the place! I love it! What a FUN tree! And the mantle...and THEN when I scrolled down to see your table..well, I was just SO impressed with all the details you put into it--GREAT JOB! What a fun grandma you are!!
Cheers and Blessings to you in the New Year, Laurie!

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie... Happy New Year to you my friend. hugs ~lynne~

Anonymous said...

HAPPY NEW YEAR LAURIE TO YOU AND YOURS...ANNIE POO

Carrie said...

What a festive New Year's decor! I never seen a New Year's tree, but yours seems to be a perfect expression of the holiday.
I wish you and your loved ones a very happy and blessed New Year.

Rattlebridge Farm said...

What a great idea to put a paper plate under a glass plate. Happy New Year, Laurie! Give Mary Gay and the gang a hug for me.

Rhondi said...

Hi Laurie
I love all your new year's decorations. That's the first time I've seeen a new years tree. What a great idea!I hope that 2009 ks a great year for you. Thanks for all the comments youleave on my blog.
Hugs, Rhondi

Tootsie said...

looks wonderful! HAPPY NEW YEAR FRIEND!

Anonymous said...

WOW Laurie! I had no idea you had posted, I've been thinking of you taking all the Christmas decorations down, and you've already got them down, and put up New Years! You are amazing! I love the tree,I've never seen one, and the table is gorgeous! What Fun! Happy New Year!!!! Love Ya! Connie

Nancy Rosalina said...

LOOOOVE your New Years decor! That is a fantastic idea for the tree! Everything looks so gorgeous! Happy New Year and many blessings to you in 2009, Nancy

Miss Janice said...

Everything is so festive! I definitely think this is the first New Year's tree I've ever seen! What a fabulous idea:-) Your tablescape is awesome as well! Happy New Year to you.

Anonymous said...

EVERYTHING looks so fabulous! I love that tree and your table is so beautiful. It all looks so fun!

Happy New Year!

Manuela

Anonymous said...

Happy New Year, Laurie! I LOVE your glitzy New Year's tree, it's perfect ... and of course I'm wondering "how come I didn't think of that?" This would have been so much fun when I was teaching kindergarten!

My youngest son's birthday is January 3, so for many years we kept the tree up for his BD Party ... the little poot LOVED having his birthday gifts under the Christmas tree, like getting to have a second Christmas with all of his friends watching.

Next year I'll do a New Year's tree for sure, it's a marvelous idea!

Hugs,

Victoria

Laurie - Decorating Fanatic said...

Oh My Goodness Laurie! You are amazing! First with all your Christmas decorating and now a lovely New Years party! You know what I did last night? I spent the time from 7 - 11:30 TAKING DOWN the christmas stuff! haa! We did sneak in a little chinese food but... we are boring!! I want to be in YOUR family! Everything looks wonderful and I hope your family realizes what a jewel you are! Next year I think I am going to have to follow your lead and do something a little more special. I hope you are lounging around with your feet up, taking a well deserved day off! Happy New Year! ~ Laurie

Kathysue said...

Laurie, I want to be a relative of yours.Your house is FUN.Oh the memories you are making for those grandbabies.This is my first New Years Tree and I think your rules are perfect and should never be changed!I love the glitzy table it really does sparkle.So many special Laurie Touches.I love it.Happy New Year to YOU! Kathysue

Scooterblu's Whimsy~Rhonda said...

Hi Laurie, I love all your NY's decorations! The tree is too cute! I decorated just a little for the first time this year, because Ashley was hosting a NY's get together with her friends. We had a ball! All the glitz and whimsy!

Hoping that you are greatly blessed in this New Year! ~hugs, Rhonda :)

Sara's Sweet Surprise said...

Miss Laurie~ Every trim shouts out "Happy New Year!" Those silver goblets are sooo beautiful.
My fav that I will be on the hunt for.... the champagne bottle in ice bucket S&P shakers! Seriously, they're perfect for the NY tablescape. My family thinks I'm silly for setting out my mini butter (cloche) dishes for each guest. I've got issues with breadcrumbs in my (personal) butter (space) dish. LOL!

Sweet New Year Wishes,
Sara

Rue said...

Wow! That table is gorgeous Laurie!! I'll bet you had a great time :)

Happy New Year!!

xo,
rue

Melissa Miller said...

Happy New Year dear Laurie!
Your table was spectacular! I really like how you did the centerpice with the silver tinsel coming out. How festive and pretty!

xinex said...

Happy New Year, Laurie! I wish I was at your house for New Year wearing polka dots. Looks like you have a lot of fun! Your table is beautiful, so glity and festive, love those silver goblets and the salt and pepper bucket is so cute and unusual. I don't know anybody else who decorates for New Year except for big parties in a hall and it just projects again the love you have for your family and your home. Lucky kids!...Christine

Sarah and Jack said...

What a gorgeous new year's celebration!

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Happy New Year Laurie! I love your table (yes, cute is always better than practical!) & I adore teh idea of a new year's tree! I have a large collection of vintage noisemakers & hats...what a great way to feature them!

Kristen said...

Happy New Year!
What a cool idea to have a New Years Tree. Your tree looks so fun and your glitz just sparkles!!

You are so much fun!

Lynette said...

Wasn't it so sad to see him Laurie? And to try to listen to him talk - it just made my heart hurt - they didn't let him talk that much, but when they did . . .

Donna said...

Laurie - I love your New Years tree and decorations and traditions! Oh my gosh, it sounds like you all have so much fun! Your table is gorgeous and sparkly and glitzy to perfection! A very Happy New Year to you!... Donna @ An Enchanted Cottage

The Muse said...

GLITZ and GLAM for a perfect MADAME!

Glenda said...

You are a lady just bubbling over with creativity and love for your family. It shows in everything you do.
I really like the way you repurposed the Christmas tree for another run. That is a very "green" idea. We have many things to learn from you in the coming months. Blog on, my friend.

Lisa (aka) French said...

Laurie your table is absolutely delightful! Thanks for stopping in I am slowly getting back to the land of the living (lol) Hugs and a Happy New Year to You and Yours;) French;)

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

Laurie, you know how those pesky mice can be..about the time you've taken care of them "boom" they're back again.. I'm hoping I've pushed them out the door for abit..lol.. hugs ~lynne~

Anonymous said...

Eve..I love the antique cup of Kindness that Weymouth gave you..what a keepsake. I am impressed you got the silver goblets all polished up beautifully..and congrats on pleasing my mother by always turning the knife blade"in" toward the plate..I can hear her
to this day, "blade side in"..do you have party favors from the old Country Club paties that our parents went to on NYEve? I still have some of the tin rattles and noise makers..Thanks for sharing your ideas with us..Susie

Anonymous said...

I think everything looks beautiful. The tree is awesome.Love your blog.

Jan said...

Beautiful! and Happy New Year to you! Here's to a great 2009, Jan