New Year's Eve Bash

I don't know about the weather where you are, but it is pretty miserable here in the mitten state. This "polar vortex" as they're calling it, has got me feeling like I've been transported to Antarctica... As I type this, the RealFeel temp is -19ºF. Yikes. My car is literally buried in snow... I'm at least half-afraid that it is never going to start again, hah.

So while I'm cozied under my warm blanket with skeins of yarn stacked up beside me, I thought I'd share some photos from the New Year's party boyfriend and I threw this year. The lighting wasn't great of course, but that's the nature of nighttime photos. 

Scott and I had been debating between going out and staying in for NYE this year, when a few friends started asking me about our plans. I realized that thanks to Christmas, I happened to have several of my oldest friends in town all at once -- a rare opportunity that I couldn't not take advantage of. As we've all gotten older, most of them seem to have moved across the country, which is great for vacation planning, but sucky for party throwing. ;) So with mere days to spare, I decided to throw what I dubbed the "last-minute, low-key, super-chill NYE party." 

I believe we wound up with about 10 guests, give or take. We spent most of the evening playing Cards Against Humanity -- have you ever played? It's like the dirty, politically-incorrect version of Apples to Apples, and it is HILARIOUS. None of us had ever played before, which actually made it pretty fun. I won, in case you were curious. It's all about knowing your audience! ;) 

I whipped up a few glittery NYE decorations at a slumber party with my old college roommates the night before the party, and otherwise just left my Christmas decor out. My pallet tree, star light garland, and a strand of twinkle lights wrapped around the breakfast bar served as our "mood lighting." I put out cheese and crackers, pineapple and grapes, Christmas cookies and treats, chips and dip, and pretzels, along with the stash of liquor that's been hanging out in our freezer for months. I also made a quick punch with cranberry juice, ginger ale, pink lemonade, and pineapple rum -- yum! 

I snagged some adorable (and delicious!) mini cupcakes from a local bakery, and made these quick cupcake toppers! I'll post tutorials for those glittery garlands and star toppers soon, promise. They're crazy easy, which is perfect for party decor since I never have time to decorate for such things. 

How is the new year treating you so far? So far, so cold for me... 

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