How to Make Handmade New Year's Party Decorations

New Year's party decorations don't have to be elaborate for guests to have a great time.

New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day are times for celebration of the year to come and reflection on the previous year. If you’re hosting a New Year’s party for family and friends, you can make your own decorations and showcase your creative abilities while also saving money. You can make many of your decorations from items you have on hand, transforming ordinary items into festive New Year's party embellishments.

Things You'll Need

• Wrapping paper
• Card stock
• Wire
• Glass bulbs
• Clear glass bowl or vase
• Candles
• Confetti
• Clocks
• Chalkboard
• Champagne glasses
• Cardboard letters
• Paint
• Glitter

Instructions

1. Use leftover holiday paper to create festive streamers to decorate your home for your New Year's gathering. Cover basic card stock with wrapping paper to make it more sturdy. Cut varying sizes of circles from the card stock. Punch holes in the top and bottom of the circles and attach them to each other, using fine wire or monofilament, to create a long streamer effect. Make the streamers in varying lengths to create visual interest. Hang them from the ceiling, door frames or in the foyer for a dramatic entrance to your party.

2. Don’t put those glittery Christmas bulbs away just yet. Create an amazing centerpiece by filling clear glass vases or bowls with glass ornaments in a color scheme to complement your party. Place the bowl, along with various sizes of candles, atop a piece of mirrored glass to create a festive ambiance and drama. Sprinkle confetti on the table for added interest.

3. There is nothing more apropos on New Year’s Eve than a clock, or better yet, a multitude of them. There is no chance your guests will miss that iconic clock-striking-midnight moment. Set up a display of various sizes and styles of clocks across your mantle to make a vignette. Spruce the clocks up with additional Christmas bulbs to tie in with your centerpiece.

4. For both a decoration and a fun, interactive activity for your guests, set up a chalkboard or whiteboard and ask guests to write down their New Year’s resolutions. Your guests will have a great time comparing resolutions for the upcoming year.

5. Fill champagne glasses with candy or treats for guests to munch on during the party. Place the glasses on side tables, kitchen counters and other areas throughout the party space. They will serve as both a decorative and functional element.

6. Purchase inexpensive cardboard letters at the craft store that spell out "Happy New Year." Paint them in coordinating colors and apply glitter for a shimmery effect. Display this on a mantle, table or sideboard.

References

• Martha Stewart.com: Shimmering New Year's Streamers
• Ryan Seacrest.com: 20 Last Minute New Year's Eve Party Ideas