“10, 9, 8…!” Instead of counting down the seconds to ring in the New Year, many of us are actually counting down the days until all the holiday festivities are over! Maybe you eagerly decided to invite your friends over to throw a New Year’s Eve bash at your new apartment. Yet, if you are like me, you have been pre-occupied by Christmas and visiting friends and family and are just now giving serious thought to your end-of-the-year festivities. If that’s the case, read on for some quick tricks to set the mood for a party.
For the living room/common areas:
I like to use bright colors such as gold, silver and blue when it comes to decorating for New Year’s Eve. You have probably put away a lot of your Christmas decorations (or at least thought about putting them away). Hold onto a string of white lights to wrap around an outdoor balcony or across any bookshelf. In addition, leave out any brightly colored garland you may have, and utilize it by hanging it in a canopy style on ceilings or above the dining room table.
Do you have any tacky gift wrapping paper you are trying to get rid of? Check out Martha Stewart’s idea on making streamers to deck your halls here: http://www.marthastewart.com.
You can also adorn the atmosphere with balloons by hanging them from the ceiling or having them float around your living space. To be really creative, you can fill your balloons with confetti before you blow them up, and pop them when the clock strikes twelve!
For the table: 
Set out a white or silver table cloth. Use leftover gift-wrapping paper as a runner to add more style to your dining setting. Trim the paper to any width desired.
You can never go wrong by lighting candles for table tops and mantles. Dim the lights and experience a snug and intimate feel for your New Year’s gathering. Vases with water and tealights add an elegant touch as well.
Next, check out a local dollar store for clear plastic cups and champagne flutes. Garnish them with silver or gold ribbon leftover from your holiday gift-wrapping.
For the guests:
Make sure your guests arrive with a favorite New Year’s Eve hat in honor of the celebration. Also, invite them to bring their favorite noisemaker to welcome the New Year with a bang.
Last, but not least, don’t forget the mistletoe for that someone special!
Photos by: hwtm and dining delight