Keep it Classic - Ring in The New Year at home in style
STORY GREGORY FAST | PHOTOGRAPHY LISA MARIE
New Year’s Eve is one of my favourite holidays. I love the idea of celebrating the start of a new year and all of the excitement and possibility it brings. This season, let’s lean into tasteful, simple and fresh NYE festivities to keep it classic, modern, and of course – fun. I’m planning on ringing in the New Year while hosting an intimate dinner party for close friends and family. These are a few tips I’m using this year as I plan the evening with style in mind.
TIP 1: Don’t Fall Victim To The Overdone NYE Décor
When creating ambience for dining, embrace the romance of a new beginning. Keep things fresh and light – no need for overdone floral arrangements on your tablescape this year. I love the simplicity of classic fine dining candlelight paired with a beautiful place setting. Guests won’t feel overwhelmed and can enjoy the company and conversation. While keeping décor classic, we can still have fun with a little NYE glam. I love the idea of a hero moment for guests to enjoy throughout the evening. A larger scale décor prop like a clock or life-size champagne bottle will win the show instead of lots of small, kitschy décor that can make the room feel
Tip 2: Create An Intimate And Unique Dining Moment
Put a fresh spin on well-loved classics by stepping up the presentation. This year I am dazzling guests on arrival with a martini tower f inished with stuffed olives. This is a fun way to re-invent the champagne tower! For this event I want to create an engaging moment for guests. That’s why I love a handson dinner like fondue. To keep the display interesting and eye-catching, roll meats and skewer them. Instead of oil in your fondue pot, try using your favourite broth-based soup for added flavour – my favourite is onion soup. Plus, a beautiful display of breads, accoutrements and sides will round out the meal. My favourite part? A “guest experience” also lightens the load of the host to prepare and plate numerous courses and meals – all while creating organic moments of conversation and activity.
Tip 3: Make It Fun With Thoughtful Party Activities
I love sending a formal paper invitation to set the tone for the event. Tip 2: Create An Intimate And Unique Dining Moment Put a fresh spin on well-loved classics by stepping up the presentation. This year I am dazzling guests on arrival with a martini tower f inished with stuffed olives. This is a fun way to re-invent the champagne tower! For this event I want to create an engaging moment for guests. That’s why I love a handson dinner like fondue. To keep the display interesting and eye-catching, roll meats and skewer them. Instead of oil in your fondue pot, try using your favourite broth-based soup for added flavour – my favourite is onion soup. Plus, a beautiful display of breads, accoutrements and sides will round out the meal. My favourite part? A “guest experience” also lightens the load of the host to prepare and plate numerous courses and meals – all while creating organic moments of conversation and activity. A dress code is always an engaging way to liven up the night! This could be black tie, a colour theme, or even “come as you are.” I am asking my guests to dress in classic creams and champagne tones – a stylish colour palette that will have guests ready to strike a pose for a great social moment. Place Instax instant cameras throughout the event so guests can have fun capturing the evening’s special moments. For final touches, include note cards and envelopes so guests can write down their new year’s resolutions and celebrate the start of something new. At midnight, a flute of champagne and a kiss never go out of style. OH