FREE Printable New Year's Templates

Courtesy of Liz Gray and Kim Stoegbauer, The TomKat Studio
Photography by ten22 studio

Hi Friends,

Every New Year’s Eve party needs a bit of glitz, don’t you think? Luckily, we have an exclusive collection of printable party decor and easy paper crafts from The TomKat Studio; the sparkle is provided, you bring the bubbly!

Tissue Paper Tassel Garland
Tassel garlands are a huge party trend. It's easy to make your own with some tissue paper or sparkling mylar, scissors and string. A few tassels in sparkling mylar add a festive touch to your handmade tassel garland. Sheets of mylar are available at most craft stores. This tutorial shows you how to make a larger version big enough to dress the front of a buffet table or stretch across a wall, but you can easily scale down the project. For a version small enough to add flair to your dining chairs, use 1/8 sheet of tissue paper per tassel.



Materials Needed:

• 1/2 sheet of 20" x 20" or 20" x 24" tissue paper or mylar per
• scissors
• ribbon or cord

Cut Fringe
Fold a piece of tissue paper in half and in half the other way. Cut strips towards the fold to create fringe, leaving about 1 inch uncut at the fold line. Once all strips are cut, unfold the tissue and cut in half so you have 2 sheets with fringe (to make 2 tassels).



Twist Tassels
Unfold tissue paper. Begin rolling tightly down the middle crease. Continue rolling, fold in half and then twist to create a loop for hanging.



Create More Tassels and Finish Garland
Repeat to create additional tassels in various colors. Hang from thin cord or ribbon.



Printable Party Flags
Attach these printable party flags to monochromatic tubes of white candies (such as Sixlets) and hand out as guests depart. Or, attach to drinking straws, lollipops or cake pops.

Click HERE to download Printable Party Flags



Custom Printable Invitations
Get guests in the festive mood by sending out this custom-designed printable invitation. Add your party details and embellish the bow design with glitter before sending to guests.

Click HERE to download Custom Printable Invitations



Such Great Heights
Elevate your party's style by displaying desserts on cake plates staggered in height. A fancy layer cake trimmed with pink and gold fondant ruffles is the perfect match for this party theme.



Edible Gold Embellishments
Pink cake pops sprinkled with edible gold glitter and embellished with gold bows tie in beautifully.



DIY Drink Embellishments
Dress up your serving vessels with tiny ribbon bows or DIY swizzle sticks made from straws and tissue paper.



Little Bites, Big Flavor
A New Year's Eve party typically means a late night, so be sure to offer a variety of appetizers and snacks to keep your guests in a festive mood. Bite-sized appetizers skewered on party picks are easy for guests to eat with a cocktail in hand. Write down the appetizer offerings on our printable menu cards to let guests know what they're eating.

Click HERE to download the Printable Menu Template



Easy-to-Make Appetizers
Simple, fresh watermelon-and-feta bites flavored with red wine vinegar and mint pair perfectly with bubbly champagne. Here's the recipe!


Feta, Mint and Watermelon Bites Recipe
Recipe Compliments of Joanna Meyer, Baked by Joanna

Makes about 24 pieces

Ingredients

• 2 pounds seedless watermelon, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1/4-cup red wine vinegar
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 medium yellow onion, thinly sliced into rings
• 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
• 1 sprig mint, finely chopped
• salt and pepper, to taste
• 24 decorative skewers (optional)

Instructions
In a small bowl, combine the red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil and onion rings; season with salt and pepper to taste and marinate for one hour in the refrigerator covered with plastic wrap.

To assemble, place a watermelon cube on a plate, top with 2 marinated onion rings and sprinkle with feta and mint.

To create a more elegant look, twist the onion around a skewer in the shape of an eight. Tip: Add an extra twist or two if it is a larger ring) Poke the skewer into the watermelon; sprinkle feta and mint on top.

Cook's Note: The watermelon weight is after the rind has been removed.

Festive Favors
After midnight, send guests home with a mini favor bag packed with treats they can enjoy on New Year's Day. Label each bag with a printable "Thank You" tag.

Click HERE to download the Printable Favor Tags



Your family and friends will be impressed with this sophisticated Sparkling New Year's Eve Party and your HOSTING skills...

Happy New Year from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Holidays!

Hi Friends,

The Holiday Season gives us the perfect opportunity to wish you all the timeless treasures of the season; the warmth of home, the love of family and the company of good friends.

Happy Holidays from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

December 24th…

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Happy Holidays!

Today is the last day to get those special gifts for friends and loved one. Hope you enjoy the day with those closest to you...

Enjoy!

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design.

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Mason Jar Pumpkin Pie

Courtesy of Mick Telkamp
Photo by Mick Telkamp

Season's Greetings Friends,

A fall recipe perfectly packaged for the holidays or the tailgate.

From Halloween through Christmas, pumpkin pie is a big part of our holiday dessert rotation. Sometimes we use a graham cracker crust. Other times pies are topped with sugared pecans or made using cream cheese for a creamy pie-meets-cheesecake texture. And then there are times when we do all of the above and bake it in a Mason jar.

Mason jar desserts have a lot going for them. They can be made ahead of time, easing holiday stress. They don’t take up too much room when fridge space is at a premium. They are terrific take-alongs when you are a guest at someone else’s soiree or in a stadium parking lot, tailgating with style. And lastly, they’re just so darned cute!

Just the right size, these mini-jars of goodness are a tasty treat to have on hand any old time, but are especially handy during the holiday season, when guests are frequent and pumpkin pie isn’t just appreciated, it’s practically a requirement.

Mason jar pumpkin pies are easy to make, but one of the ingredients used is a recipe in itself. Sugar coated pecans are popular as a sweet snack during the holiday season, but have never tasted better than when used as a nutty, crunchy topping for silky pumpkin pie. sugared pecans are quick and easy to make, but toasted pecans may be substituted in a pinch.

Cap jars with standard Mason jar lids to store in the fridge. When it’s time for dessert, just remove the lid and top with a dollop of whipped cream for a “grab and go” twist on a fall favorite.

Mason Jar Pumpkin Pie

10 Servings

• 2 cups graham cracker crumbs
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 6 tablespoons butter, melted
• 2 cups pumpkin puree
• 1 (8 oz) package cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup half and half
• 2 large eggs
• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon ginger
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 1/2 cups sugar coated pecans
• Whipped cream

Combine graham cracker crumbs, brown sugar and butter in a bowl.

Press a half-inch layer of graham cracker blend into the bottom of each of 10 half-pint mason jars.

Whisk pumpkin puree, heavy cream, eggs, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger and salt together until smooth.

Fill each mason jar 3/4 full with pumpkin blend and place on a baking sheet.

Bake in a 375 degree oven for 40 minutes or until thickened.

Divide sugar coated pecans between jars to top.

Cool to room temperature, then cap and refrigerate at least 3 hours.

Top with whipped just before serving.

YUM...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Holiday Cocktails

Courtesy of Lauren Oster
Photography by INSERTNAME

Season's Greetings Friends,

From classic Christmas quaffs and winter warmers to perfect party punches and mocktails, we’ve got recipes and pro tips for every toast you’ll make this season. Relax by the fire and let us handle the drinks.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

Spiced Pear Sangria With Champagne

This elegant infusion is all about clever (and easy) prep: Throw its spiced-pear mixture together the night before you’re expecting guests to give the fruit time to soak up flavor. Just before party time, top off each serving with a bit of bubbly. Dispense modest “oh, it’s just a little something I had in the fridge!” responses as needed.

GET THE RECIPE: Sangria

Spiked Apple Cider

A dash of maple syrup balances bright apple brandy and lemon juice just beautifully in this celebration of fresh-pressed cider. Garnished with sliver-thin fruit slices and served in coupes you’ve chilled in the freezer (you’re chilling your coupes in the freezer before cocktail hour, right?), this evocative seasonal treat is the perfect welcome drink.

GET THE RECIPE: Spiked Apple Cider Cocktail

Arturo's Positano Winter Sunset

For hot seasonal recipes, there’s a counterpart to that chilling-coupes-in-the-freezer move at the other end of the thermometer. This sunny Italian drink combines coconut rum, crème de cacao and Tia Maria to cultivate a snowbird’s-dessert vibe, but we’d argue that its real genius is in its topping: to garnish a sip like this one without cooling it down, bathe your can of whipped cream in a pan of medium-hot water for three to five minutes.

GET THE RECIPE: Arturo's Positano Winter Sunset Recipe

Peachy Ecuadorian Eggnog

Real talk: Eggnog is a divisive drink, and its supporters and detractors are entrenched. Skip the debate this year and shake up your menu (no pun intended) by deploying this traditional Ecuadorian family recipe that’s also known as Rumpope (pronounced “rom-poe-pay”). It’s a new-to-many-Americans combination of eggs, condensed milk, peaches, vanilla extract and cinnamon — and it might just be the sweet, silky compromise your party needs.

GET THE RECIPE: Rosario's Rumpope (Ecuadorian Holiday Eggnog)

Rosé Lemon Champagne Punch

With delicate citrus notes, rosé champagne and sparkling white wine, this effervescent crowd pleaser is ideal for a Jazz Age-themed holiday cocktail gathering. It’s also a more-than-welcome alternative to a steaming mug of cocoa when the radiator kicks into high gear at an ugly sweater party, and a single batch serves 25(!).

GET THE RECIPE: Rose Lemon Champagne Punch Recipe

Warm Apple Pie

The magic of mixology transforms humble apple cider into an epic dessert in a mug thanks to a splash of Tuaca, an Italian brandy, Mediterranean citrus and vanilla spice liqueur first created in the Renaissance in honor of Lorenzo de Medici. It made its way to America after servicemen stationed in Livorno, Italy fell in love with it during World War II. How’s that for cocktail trivia? Psst: If you want to make this or any hot-cider-based cocktail just a bit zingier, add a bit of tangerine juice before heating.

GET THE RECIPE: Warm Apple Pie Cocktail

Holiday Gin Fizz

From: Kristin Guy

Thanks to rosemary simple syrup and sprigs of the fresh stuff, this vivid cocktail smells fantastic (and by using gin with botanical notes, you can turn that seasonal scent up even higher). The base here is Lambrusco, a sparkling Italian red that just so happens to be the very best wine to drink with pizza — so we’ve taken care of your whole menu, basically.

GET THE RECIPE: Holiday Gin Fizz Cocktail

Caramel Apple Pie

Speaking of pie-adjacent cocktails, can we speak about rimming glasses with crushed graham crackers (as with this deliciously clever, dessert-inspired drink)? In this case, that thoughtful detail will bring out the flavor of the butterscotch schnapps in the recipe. In all cases, it’s a pro-level, fireplace-season nod to summertime classics like margaritas with salted rims.

GET THE RECIPE: Caramel Apple Pie Cocktail

Spiced Cappucini

From: Sam Henderson

Torn between serving a digestif or a hot drink after a holiday meal? Split the difference with this hybrid, a sophisticated concoction created by topping fresh-brewed coffee with Kahlua, slightly-sweet Old Tom gin and Licor 43, an aromatic elixir that’s the most popular liqueur in Spain. (Don’t be shy about contributing a dash of Licor 43 to other hot coffee- and espresso-based drinks; it plays very well with others.)

GET THE RECIPE: Spiced Cappucini Cocktail

Classic Mulled Wine

Take two bottles of Cabernet Sauvignon from “delightful dinner accompaniment” to “this is the best-smelling house I’ve ever entered and I might sit by the fire with my mug for the rest of my life” with just 10 minutes of simmering with sugar, cloves and cinnamon, then fortification with port and brandy. Want an extra garnish? Float a wee kumquat studded with whole cloves in each glass.

GET THE RECIPE: Mulled Wine

Uncle Billy's Holiday Treat

Essentially dessert in a glass, serve up this after-dinner drink instead of pie, cookies or cheesecake. The pudding-like texture will satisfy their sweet tooth while the combo of Kahlua and Frangelico delivers a coffee + chocolate one-two punch.

GET THE RECIPE: Uncle Billy's Holiday Treat

"Hot Butt" Rum

This mischievous holiday mainstay from San Francisco’s Elixir is popular all year long, and we’re confident it’ll be an MVP at your place as well. Create its batter — which can be stored in your freezer indefinitely — by whisking or blending together 2 pounds of dark brown sugar; 1 pound of softened, unsalted butter; 4 teaspoons each of ground cinnamon and nutmeg; 1 teaspoon each of allspice, cardamom and vanilla extract; and 1 quart of vanilla ice cream. When cocktail hour is nigh, pre-heat a mug with hot water, then combine 2 heaping tablespoons of batter with 2 teaspoons of aged rum, then top with 4 to 6 ounces of hot water and stir.

READ MORE: Hot Buttered Rum

Butterscotch Bedtime Warmer

The most comforting things are often the simplest: warm milk in a stovetop pan or the microwave, stir in butterscotch schnapps (or butterscotch syrup) and honey, then settle your brain for a long winter’s nap. Let’s make this the year holiday pajama parties become a thing, yes?

GET THE RECIPE: Butterscotch Bedtime Warmer

Cheers...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Throw a Festive Friendsmas Party

Courtesy of H. Camille Smith
Photography by Sara Busby, Styling by H. Camille Smith

Season's Greetings Friends,

Using dressed-up grocery store items and our decorating tips, we'll help you throw a festive fête that only looks fancy.

Feast Festively

What’s a get-together without lots of tasty nibbles? For our spread, we turned grocery-store staples into easy-to-munch snacks. Providing handheld snacks that are just a bite or two eliminates the need for utensils and makes it easy for guests to try one of everything without feeling stuffed.

Create Zones for Guests to Gather

To make it easier for your friends to mix and mingle with the maximum number of folks, space out the areas they’re most likely to gather — like the buffet, crafts table or bar. Creating separate zones ensures everyone can mix, mingle and enjoy themselves without feeling claustrophobic.

Make It a Gift Exchange

Whether your friend group prefers Dirty Santa or to exchange gifts that the recipient will actually use, a casual get-together is the perfect time to make the swap. And, don't forget the package is part of the present. Need some help wrapping like a pro?

Serve a Signature Sip

Free yourself from bartender duty by using a large punchbowl or apothecary jar, as we did here, to mix-up cocktail magic before guests arrive. Our boozy bourbon-cranberry cocktail is a not-too-sweet way to sip the season. Get the recipe.

And, Provide Non-Alcoholic Options

Ensure that guests who want to celebrate without partaking in a boozy cocktail have plenty of non-alcoholic options, like water and soda or tea. Also, a few guests may not be cocktail fans so be sure to provide bottled beer and both a red and white wine option.

Serve Buffet Style

No need for a sit-down dinner or passed appetizers — these are your friends, after all. Keep it casual (and minimize your pre-party stress) by serving foods that don't have to be kept warm and can easily be served buffet style. This way, partygoers can snack as they wish while the focus stays on mingling and enjoying each other's company.

But, Don't Forget Dessert

The holidays are a time for indulging, right? And, what better way to indulge all your friends' sweet tooths than with a dessert bar that offers up a few seasonal favorites — with a boozy twist. One of our faves? These mini rum-soaked bundt cakes with a butter-rum glaze. Yum! Get the recipe.

No Tablecloth Required

Instead of a fabric cloth that would need to be laundered at the end of the evening, we put leftover gift wrap to use. First, we wrapped the tabletop with black-and-red buffalo check paper, securing the ends to the underside of the table’s top with double-sided tape. We topped that with glittering gold gift wrap for a little holiday sparkle.

Include Healthy Options

While for most of us, 'diet' is a 4-letter word during the holidays, there are always a few friends who are still sticking to their goal-minded guns. So, be sure to provide a few healthier nibbles, like fresh fruit, sliced cheese and nuts.

Every Table Needs a Centerpiece

But, flowers aren’t required. For ours, we filled a copper tray with fresh-cut evergreens, seeded eucalyptus, aromatic eucalyptus, pomegranates, an antique Moravian star and a trio of glass topiaries.

And, So Does Every Room

Don't stop at the table's centerpiece. The fireplace is the visual center of any room that's lucky enough to have one — so be sure to deck it out. For ours, we lined the mantel with a mix of faux and fresh-cut evergreens, intertwined with long sprays of red berries. The perfect finishing touch to any holiday mantel? Lots of sparkly twinkle lights that not only light up the party, they also provide a pretty backdrop for all the evening's pics.

Let Guests Get Crafty

We’re a crafty bunch here at HGTV so for our get-togethers, we often incorporate a crafts table where guests can DIY a take-home favor. Bonus: At a party where some guests may be meeting for the first time, an activity helps to get them chatting and turns acquaintances into friends.

Serve Up Boozy Bites

A holiday tradition, bourbon balls are a Christmas classic that combine the party-starting kick of bourbon with all the savory sweetness of nuts and chocolate. Give this recipe a try, then package them in colorful card stock cones so guests can enjoy them at the party or savor them later as a festive favor.

Don't Worry, They Aren't Too Boozy

Our recipe includes just the right amount of bourbon to please both whiskey afficianados and non-fans. Best of all: You can always mix in a bit more booze if you want to give them more kick. Get the recipe.

Let Them Eat … Salad

That’s right, even salad can be made bite-size and portable. We whipped up these (delish!) caprese salad skewers by layering ripe cherry tomatoes with fresh basil and Bocconcini - AKA small mozzarella balls. Drizzled with storebought balsamic glaze, these healthy nibbles were a snap to assemble and are equally easy for guests to munch.

Chicken & Waffles

Seriously, who doesn’t love this crunchy, hearty combo? And, best of all, they’re super easy to make using grocery-store ingredients. We used frozen, whole-grain waffles which we toasted, then topped with half of a deli chicken tender and another quarter of waffle, then drizzled with orange marmalade we warmed up in the microwave. Held together by a cocktail skewer and garnished with fresh rosemary, these mini mouthfuls are a total crowd pleaser.

Rotisserie Chicken & Sweet Potato Sliders

What do you get when you combine a sweet potato 'bun' with rotisserie chicken, and merlot-soaked cheese (Yes! You can actually buy cheese that has been soaked in red wine!)? A gluten-free mouthful of awesomeness that’s so delicious you won’t miss the bread. The sweet potato 'buns' are easy to make, just slice washed sweet potatoes into 1/2-inch slices, rub with olive oil and bake for 30 mins (or until thoroughly cooked but still firm) in a 425-degree oven. Top the spuds with shredded rotisserie chicken and a slice of cheese, pop back in the oven to melt the cheese, then add a flavorful finishing touch with a dusting of fresh-cut chives.

Fancied-Up Flatbreads

These tasty bites started out as frozen thin-crust pizzas which we dressed up with a topping of fresh-sliced red, orange and yellow cherry tomatoes. Toasted in the oven, then given a final dusting of fresh-chopped rosemary and basil, these flatbreads look and taste just like expensive takeout without the high price tag.

Bon Appétit...

Check back for more great ideas from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne