Happy New Year!!

photo credit

Wishing all of my lovely readers a Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! 

Black -eyed Peas Parfaits

photo and recipe via famly fun

Tradition has it that Black-eyed peas are served on New Years Day as a symbol of good luck. In some Southern traditions, a dime is buried among the black-eyed peas before serving. If you find the dime in your serving you will have good luck throughout the year. OK...I'm not really a huge fan of the legume, but if served in a cute festive way, I may just have to try it. Plus I wouldn't mind some good luck in 2011!   How about serving up these black eyed peas parfait (maybe in smaller portions per guest) at your New Years event so all of your guests will have a year of good luck!

Ingredients

• 2 bacon strips, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 cups chopped red or green bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced onion
• 1 tomato, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

• 2 cups fresh or frozen black-eyed peas
• 3 cups chicken broth
• 2 cups cooked rice
• 1 cup grated Cheddar cheese
• Sour cream and cherry tomatoes (for garnish)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, saute the bacon for 5 minutes. Stir in 1/2 cup of the bell pepper, the onion, the chopped tomato, the chili powder, the salt and pepper, and the black-eyed peas. Pour in the broth and bring the mixture to a low boil, then simmer it uncovered for 1 hour or more, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is absorbed.

1. Layer the peas, rice, cheese, and remaining bell pepper in parfait glasses. Top with sour cream and a cherry tomato. Serves 6 to 8.
2. Layer the peas, rice, cheese, and remaining bell pepper in parfait glasses. Top with sour cream and a cherry tomato. Serves 6 to 8.

New Years Eve Disco Decor

I hope everyone had a wonderful fun filled Christmas and holiday season! Next up... 2011! How are you bidding farewell to 2010? Are you ready for the countdown!? Speaking of which, the preparation of the New Years Eve Celebration in Times Square NY begins today! (After they clear all the snow I suppose.)  But if you would rather not brave the cold.... stay indoors and celebrate with lots of bubbly and your own dazzling decor! In lieu of the big sparkling Waterford Crystal Ball dropping in Times Square, decorate your home with disco balls!  It'll work..it's just as pretty, and you'll be safe and warm in the comforts of your home. 

Disco ball decor!

This mini disco ball accenting each guest favor would be cute when placed at each place setting

Photos via Southern Living

Homemade, Heart Felt Gift Ideas

You don't have to break the bank purchasing gifts this season. Homemade gifts giving from the heart are greatly appreciated when it's from the heart. I love receiving and sharing homemade gifts. Last year I made an assortment of cookies and packaged them in decorative tins,  and a homemade spiced rub packaged in a cute little spice jar with holiday ribbon.
Yesterday I shared hot chocolate station ideas, today how about a homemade hot chocolate gift! Love it!
 For stylish packaging, put chocolate mix into a bag, tie with festive ribbon and nestle it into mug, don't forget the marshmallows!

Roasted Spiced Almonds

These simple metal tins look great with with ribbon or even some leftover wrapping paper.  

Peppermint Cheesecake

I just love the packaging for this one! Peppermint cheesecake package it in Asian vegetable steamer.

Ok.. YUM!

Honey and Macadamia Nut Fudge packaged in pretty gold or silver boxes.

 For more ideas and recipes to make your own homemade heart felt gifts, go to  bhg,!

Hot Beverage Bar

photo source

Brrrrr....It's cold out there! If you are entertaining for the holidays, warm up your guest with a hot beverage bar.  Of course hot chocolate will be the star of the show!  You can also include a variety of hot beverages such as specialty flavored tea and coffee. It's definitely a good idea to have your bar set up in your foyer, entryway or immediately after they enter from the cold winter weather.

Source

Photo source

Your station can be as simple or as elaborate as you wish, it'll give your guest a warm welcome!

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   Don't forget to add some Flair to your buffet with some of the following!

Marshmallows

Wafer sticks
Cinnamon sticks

Candy canes

Rock candy sticks
Party Spoons

Caramel squares

Flavored syrups

Chopped up candy bar
Whipped Cream

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And for some extra warmth (Adults only please), a splash wouldn't hurt! 

Bailey’s

Kahlua

Grand Marnier

Crème de Mint

Amaretto

 

Have yourself a Glamours little Holiday!

Celebrations at Home (pun intended) can be as glamours as you want it to be! Check out this ultra Glam  holiday tablescape created by my girl, the super talented Chris from  Celebrations at Home. It's perfect for any holiday party, or really any celebration you wish to add a glamours flair to!  I can definitley see this on New Years Eve!

I'm always up for a bit of  shimmer shine, glitz and glam and this party offers plenty! I'm especially loving the boa detailing around the chargers!

Check out the bling factor!

And nooooo those aren't X-mas ornements like I was reffering to in a previous post. Those are actually shimmering bonbons, Yes they are edible! And what about the glitter around the glass you ask? Yep that's edible too! I'm telling you Chris did her thang on this table! Head over to her blog for all the details!

Ok so you can see her use of ornements in this photo.

And for the sweets.....

Simply GLAM!!

I love that Chris used an acrylic beaded curtain as her backdrop!

How cute are these milk shots, and they were served with cookie "straws!" 

 Spiked eggnog and irish cream shots in chocolate cups! YUM! This party is a must see! Check out Chris' blog for more eye candy!

 

Have a Ball!

A Christmas ball ornament that is! Do you use your Christmas ornament balls in more ways than one?   I do! I use them in vases, on top of candle sticks, and on my branches around my home. Don't just leave them for the Christmas tree, be creative, have a ball with them! Here are some simple ideas how you can use your Christmas balls.

 Who needs taper candles when you can use a X-mas ornament?!

Creative..

 How cute are these topiary's and, displayed in milkglass vases too boot! Cute color palette..Love them!

First three photos courtesy of Bgh

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And two of my own creations.. There goes that color palette again. :-)