Entertaining Guide : Hosting A Memorable NYE Party

I love New Years Eve for so many reasons; maybe because there's something magical about a fresh start. The celebration is much more than just a party, it's a renewed chance to accomplish dreams and goals and reevaluate for a new year. I enjoy hosting at my home every year. It's become a tradition. Somehow I have license to justify all of the glitter, sparkle, metallics and pretty decor my heart desires. I start thinking about a theme or look early in November but it helps that there's always a pocket of time after boxing day to get more organized. Anything I order before Christmas always arrives in time.
This year I decided for the first time to host in the little cottage I have out back in the yard. It's cozy and intimate with a fireplace and informal seating yet still fits my guest list.
We've decorated for a post to share with you how to recreate the same look. however we'll be hosting the real party on new years eve. If our mini early party we threw for the shoot was any indication of how the real one will be we're in for nothing short of amazing.

Party Theme: Setting the Stage 

I went with steely grey blues, silvers and copper. In a nod to a time of classic cocktails, cut crystal and polished nickel I wanted everything to be reminiscent of the deco era. The evening's signature cocktails: moscow mule and old fashioned with champagne at midnight for toasting. I kept the food simple with lots of finger friendly hors d'oeuvres and a tiered cake for midnight.

Decor Items and Tips for Hosting

1. A copper shaker for moscow mule prep and cut crystal (image above) shaker for old fashioneds- two shakers made it easy to differentiate between drinks and cut back on cleanup in-between cocktail prep. 

2. A copper ice bucket held individual champagne bottles chilling in ice. 

3. I went with heavy cut library glassware for serving old fashioned and traditional copper mugs for the moscow mules.

4. Updated cushion covers and a fluffy white faux fur throw, fresh greenery and new lamps (like these Jamie Young Ceramic Column Table Lamps) plus plenty of Mercury Glass Votive Candles and Flickering Flameless Candles cast a warm glow and create ambiance.

5. German glitter letter ornaments were ordered to spell out NYE , 2018 balloons, and a selection of pretty votives to weave into a garland from Amborella for the fire place.
Fresh florals, flicker candles and string lights created the necessary yet simple and easy last minute touches. 

6. Charcuterie was prepped ahead of time and brought out on boards to save multiple trips back and forth. 

7. The simplest decor addition is a one-of-a-kind PB Found Dough Bowl (that can be used throughout the year) with some Mercury Glass Ornaments casually placed inside.

Happy New Year my sweet friends! As always thank you for joining me and reading along. All the best to each and every one of you for 2018! xo e

Party Essential Checklist

Food & Drinks:

• keep it simple with canapés and finger foods
• celebratory cake to be served at midnight 
• find the perfect Moscow Mule recipe (here) and Old Fashioned (here)

Party Favours:

• noise makers
• crowns
• confetti poppers
• sparklers and matches

Entertainment:

• playlist and sound system, it's perfectly acceptable to use your phone and a bluetooth speaker
• create a hashtag for your evening so your guests can share 
• set an alarm so you don't miss the countdown amidst the fun 

Photography: Justine Milton

Floral: Amborella Floral Studio

Food: Cured Deli

This post was sponsored by Pottery Barn. All opinions, tips, styling and suggestions are my own. Original post (here).