It’s New Year’s Eve everyone! Let the partying begin!

I am in South Florida visiting family and friends that I have not seen in a very long time, and for me, this is just a very awesome way to ring in 2014! I get to see my mom, who I haven’t seen in 3 or so years. My sister Kim and brother Garfield and their children, and some of my closest friends – Stacey, Marsha and Suzette (all dear friends since high school). Whether we just hang out like old times, or party like rockstars, it will be great no matter what.

This is my home away from home for the next few days! Beautiful, isn’t it?

This is the beautiful new home of my best friend, Stacey. But shhh, don’t tell her I posted this picture Let’s just say she is a lot more private than I am.

A lot of you will probably be spending a quiet evening at home with the family, like I usually do. And many of you may be planning parties to ring in the new year. I’ve put together some party tips to help you get your party started!

• Have a theme for your party. Themes are fun!

This can sometimes be a bit cheesy, so be careful what theme you go with and how far you go with it. Think sophisticated, and not necessarily extremely literal with the party theme. Some great theme ideas are: A Vegas theme, 80′s theme, masquerade theme or go simple with a theme that relates to time or new beginnings.

• Decorate with color

Black, white, silver and champagne are always popular colors for decorating for New Year’s Eve, but bringing in color is a great way to show off your personality and definitely being festive

• Don’t just focus on the tablescapes. Decorate the whole room

Bring the festive feeling to the rest of the space and not just decorate the table tops. Add tons of balloons, streamers, and confetti to really create a party atmosphere. And it doesn’t have to cost a lot of money.

• Serve finger foods

It is much easier and less messy to serve light finger foods or hors d’oeuvres at your party. Have something for everyone like vegetarian options, or gluten free options. Make sure the presentation is fabulous and easy to get to.

• Set up a photo booth

Of course you want your party to be memorable. What better way than to set up a photo booth or an area for taking photos of all your guests. You can create a collage or a home made website to share pictures with each guest. They will see not just their own pictures, but all the special moments captured at the party.

• Pay attention to lighting

Create mood and atmosphere with lighting. For example the dance floor could have colorful flashing lights – even a disco ball (how fun would that be?) and the food area could have a beautiful chandelier above the table. Add string lights or put light fixtures on a dimmer for the inevitable kisses at the stroke of midnight

• Arrange for designated drivers if needed

This is the most important component of a successful party. Have a plan in place for guests who may go overboard with drinking (Either designated drivers or a place to crash). If you are hosting a party, then you probably shouldn’t drink too much. Pay attention to your guests as they leave to see if they have been drinking too much and will be getting behind the steering wheel. Use your best judgement and insist if they resist. Better safe than sorry!

Whatever you do tonight, please be safe and have a lot of fun! I am heading out for the day in SHORTS and  a t-shirt. I love South Florida

Happy New Year! All the best to you and yours

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All the best for a great 2014!

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Veronica Solomon