To Party or Not to Party That is the Question

New Years Eve. As you get older it becomes less and less important of a holiday. My ideal way to spend the evening would be in bed. Asleep. Which is exactly what I had in mind this year. Except for problem: my kids. They had other plans. My oldest was invited to a friend's house and would need a ride home sometime after midnight. My youngest 3 had no plans and wanted to do something, so party we did.

Mark and I began the evening by going down to the Plaza for an early dinner with friends at the Classic Cup. Dinner was delicious and the company was even better. Much loud laughter.

I sent out an email to a few close friends (whose children happen to be friends with my children) very late the night before. Hows that for last minute notice? Happily, they cleared their busy schedules and came on over.

For decor, I hit Target and raided the Christmas clearance section where I found: Sparkly-edged napkins ($4 for all 8), antique glass candle holders ($5 each), the best smelling balsam & cedarwood candle in a darling antique glass holder ($6 each.) The glittery stars I bought a few years ago at Pottery Barn (in Chicago, in case you were wondering.)

I also scored some fantastic plastic champagne glasses ($4.50 for 24! Full price would have been $25) We filled the champagne glasses at midnight with Sparkling Apple Cider and Sparkling Peach Cider. And what New Year's Eve party would be complete without confetti poppers? I picked up a 48 pack (not on sale but oh so worth it.)

I made a Black Bean Avocado Salsa (this recipe is close) and some German Chocolate Bars. And deviled eggs per my husband's request. No comment. My friends brought some other delicious additions.

The party began at 9:30. It involved eating. Talking. When you get to be old, you don't get to see your friends very much, so it was really fun to catch up. There was also ping pong. Darts. Boys running around outside the house without shirts on in frigid temps. (Near teenage boys and teenage boys are so incorrigible.)

Here we are waiting for the ball to drop.

Putting the Confetti Poppers to good use.

Happy New Year! I think 2011 is going to be great.