Nifty New Year's . . . 5 Easy DIY Projects for a Shiny, Happy Holiday

Whether you're having a little holiday bash to ring in the New Year or an all out slamming shindig, these quick little decorating ideas are sure to add zing to your party and are easy as pie and just as sweet!  Take a peek . . .

(image courtesy of http://www.elledecor.com)

You already have your ornaments out, so why not get a little more use out of them before you pack them away until next year?  And just in case you want something in a different color scheme than your typical holiday decor,  all of the stores just happen to be selling the most gorgeous & shiny bulbs (check out Target or Pier One!) for 50% off, so you are in luck!  Here's what you do . . .

Easy Ornament Mobile

This pink and silver ornament display is festive enough for Christmas but in non-traditional colors, it won't go stale after the 25th and will look fabulous for New Year's Eve. Hang a cluster of simple colored and glass ornaments to a metal ornament frame (available in craft stores) for an eye-catching display. To create a cascading effect, secure ornaments to the mobile’s hooks with varying lengths of thread or fishing line.

(image & tutorial courtesy of http://www.marthastewart.com)

Countdown Champagne Flutes

For a fun twist on the New Year's Eve countdown, pass Champagne in glasses marked with numbers representing those anticipated last 10 seconds. Self-stick numbers can be found in office- and art-supply stores. On January 2, either peel off numbers (use a cotton ball and adhesive remover to wipe away residue) or save the flutes for next year.

And I just love this darling drink station too; so simple to put together (all you need are a few balloons!) but this really packs a punch and will certainly add a bit of festive fun to your fete . . .

(image & DIY via http://www.sportymeetsposh.com)

Balloon Backdrop

Just blow up pearlized balloons in varying sizes (some less than others) and tape it to the wall for the easiest backdrop ever!

(photo & tutorial courtesy of http://somewheresplendid.com/)

Sparkly Star Cocktail Swizzle Sticks

Supplies You Will Need:

~ 2″ sequinned star appliques

~ bamboo barbecue sticks (available at Target or your local grocery store)

~ craft felt, preferably matching your sequin color

~ hot glue and a glue gun

~ scissors

1.) Lay the sequinned star over the craft felt and cut the felt to the size and shape of the applique. Place the applique sequin side down, and position the bamboo skewer in the middle of the applique. The placement should be set so that the top of the skewer aligns with the horizontal edges of the top left and right star points, and the skewer stem aligns with and breaks through the center of the bottom two points. Hot glue the bamboo skewer in place in this position. Set aside with its matching felt cutout to cool and set, and continue creating more as needed.

2.) Draw and outline of hot glue around the edge of the felt cutout, then draw a small “X” of hot glue in the inside of the outline. Press the felt cutout over the applique and the bamboo skewer to create a covered backing for a finished look.

And in case you have friends who tend to overindulge in festive cheer, these little 'Hangover Kits' are the perfect way to send them off in the wee hours of the morning (in a cab, of course:)

(image & tutorial via http://www.thinkgarnish.com)

Hangover Kits

Your local drugstore or Target has a huge selection of travel-sized goodies that are just the right fit for your party survival kit.  Throw in goodies like Advil, Tums, Emergen-C, tissues, hair ties, and a small bottle of bloody mary mix and your guests will be sure to thank you come morning.  Tie the whole thing up with twine and add a sticker and you are all set!

Juneberry Lane will be on hiatus until after the holiday!  Hope you all have a very Happy New Year and we will see you in 2012!!