4 Hours to a Fab New Year’s Party

Justine Lorelle LoMonaco | Martha Stewart Living

Planning a bash they’ll never forget doesn’t have to sap all your free time and energy. In fact, you can do it in the time it would take you to watch four episodes of Downton Abbey. Here’s how to throw a day-of shindig they’ll think took you weeks to plan.

Four Hours to Go
 Worry less about creating actual décor and more about setting a festive mood. Craft a few eye-catching streamers out of metallic paper, a circle cutter, and metal jump rings, and then focus on ambiance. A table of star-punched “hurricanes” made out of paper will add a romantic warmth to the room. (Perfect to set the scene for a midnight kiss or two.)

Aside from that, count on your lovely friends to decorate the space. (Still worried the room looks too bare? If all else fails, fill it with white and silver balloons for instant festivity.)

Three Hours to Go
 Start prepping your food on pretty white trays or plates. But remember: Keep it simple! Crudites with a slab of blue cheese, Heirloom Tomato Bruschetta , Prosciutto-Basil Crostini, and even a Shrimp Cocktail are all perfect, only-takes-a-few-minutes choices. Once everything is plated, cover each platter with plastic wrap and refrigerate until it’s time to serve.

Plus: Our Best Appetizer Recipes

Two Hours to Go 
Get ready! Eschew basic black for a dress in a fun, bold color. And who cares if it’s something you’ve owned forever? Throw on a statement brooch necklace, a studded cuff, or a pair of sparkly earrings and you’ve got a whole new, party-ready outfit.
Get the studded cuff how-to.

One Hour to Go
 Now’s the time to mix up a pitcher of your signature cocktail.

Holiday Party Advice from Professional Planners

Martha Stewart Living

Martha Stewart Living

Laura House | Shine~Yahoo
Megan Shuler and Emily Read Bentley were a creative match made on Twitter. After admiring each other’s inspiring work in the virtual world, the two teamed up last January to form the Bay Area’s Enjoy Events Co.

While weddings are their specialty, the duo puts their fresh, inventive, and handmade spin on everything from birthday bashes to showers. No matter the occasion, they love turning a good party into an epic one.

Just before the holiday party season hits full swing, we asked them for five ways to think beyond the traditional yuletide party or cookie swap.

1. Create a crafty reason to get together over the holidays. 
Slow down during the busy holiday season with a leisurely (and useful) craft night with your friends. Pull together leftover ribbon, wrapping paper, scrap materials, and paint to assemble unique centerpiece containers. Or, create one-of-a-kind gift tags out of colorful paper, fabric, and yarn.
Plus: Holiday Crafts That Shine

2. Ditch traditional Christmas colors. 
Who says everything needs to be dark green and red? Not us! Use aquas, yellows, and various shades of green. It’s easy to make a stencil and paint on canvas or even an old tablecloth. Your guests will be commenting all night on where you found it or how to make it.
Plus: Make Your Own Metallic Table Toppers

3. Turn your centerpiece inside out. 
Like your table settings, your floral arrangements don’t need to be the same old thing either. Place air plants, succulents, moss, or other sturdy plants inside of a container or bottle for your holiday table. Remember; bunched together is best. Or, fill terrarium containers with festive confetti, cranberries, or sprigs of rosemary.
Plus: Winter Centerpiece Ideas

4. Photo booths aren’t just for weddings. 
The last thing a host wants to worry about is capturing the evening by running around with a camera. Set up a take-it-yourself photo booth with Polaroid cameras and let your guests have at it. Hang a backdrop, gather some old props, make a little sign, and let the fun begin.
Martha Stewart Living

5. Combine dessert and after dinner drinks. 
Make it easy on yourself with a two-in-one dessert! Set up a bar table with the tools for your guests to create root beer floats with Peppermint Schnapps or Grand Marnier. Add mini holiday-inspired donuts to your Irish coffee for that festive feel. Things are way better in twos, and this way you get to enjoy the party with your guests instead of being stuck behind the bar or in the kitchen.
Plus: 27 Bite-Sized Dessert Recipes

50 Different Foods You Can Put in a Jar

via Under The Table And Dreaming

This inspiration post is dedicated to all the glorious foods … You can put in a jar: desserts in a jar, bread in a jar, appetizers in a jar, meals in a jar, drinks in a jar… I think you can pretty much put anything in jar and it instantly becomes a million times cuter!

{Source: I Am Baker}
Cheesecake in a Jar

{Source: My Baking Addiction}
Mixed Berry Cheesecake in Jars

{Source: The Family Kitchen}
Strawberry Cheesecake in a Jar

{Source: The Family Kitchen}
No Bake Oreo Cheesecake in a Jar

{Source: The Family Kitchen}
Neapolitan Cake in a Jar

{Source: Sprinkled With Flour}
Banana Split Cake in Jars

{Source: The Family Kitchen}
Rainbow Cake in a Jar

{Source: How Sweet It Is}
S’Mores Cake in a Jar

{Source: Eclectic Recipes}
Whiskey in a Jar Chocolate Cake {flour-less recipe}

{Source: The Family Kitchen}
Peanut Butter Cups {Cake} in a Jar

{Source: Martha Stewart}
Buttermilk Cupcakes in a Jar

{Source: Cakies}
Red Velvet Cupcakes in a Jar

{Source: Glorious Treats}
Orange Dreamsicle Cupcakes in a Jar

{Source: Man With a Fork}
Lemon Poppy Seed Pound Cake in Jars

{Source: The Boastful Baker}
Mini Canning Jar Apple Pies

{Source: Our Best Bites}
Single Serving Pie in a Jar

{Source: The Nerd’s Wife}
Pumpkin Pie in a Jar

{Source: The Family Kitchen}
Peach Cobbler in a Jar

{Source: Gooseberry Patch via My Recipes}
Baked Brownies in a Jar

{Source: Pen n’ Paper Flowers}
Ice Cream Jars

{Source: Paula Deen}
White Chocolate Lemon Trifle Jars

{Source: Ezra Pound Cake}
Mason Jar Breakfast Parfaits

{Source: American Spoon}
Jam, Granola & Yogurt Parfait Jars

{Source: Today’s Nest}
Chocolate Banana Pudding Jars

{Source: Savor This Moment}
Bread Pudding in a Jar

{Source: Healthful Pursuit}
Layered Maple Oat n’ Apple Dessert Jars

{Source: My Baking Addiction}
Cherry Crisp in a Jar

{Source: The Family Kitchen}
Monkey Bread in a Jar

{Source: Good Food Bread & Muffins}
Chocolate Muffin Bread in a Jar

{Source: Simple Bites}
Whole Wheat Buttermilk Rolls in a Jar

{Source: The Chubby Vegetarian}
Caprese Salad in a Jar

{Source: Salad in a Jar}
Romaine Salad in a Jar

{Source: Savvy Mom}
Simple Layer Dip in a Jar

{Source: Southern Living}
Mason Jar Layered Cornbread and Turkey Salad

{Source: Savoring The Thyme}
Wheat Berry Apple Salad in a Jar

{Source: Country Living}
Corn and Chickpea Salad in a Jar

{Source: Fat and Happy}
Mason Jar Turkey Chickpea Salad

{Source: The Decorated Cookie}
Pesto Pasta in a Jar

{Source: Stone Gable}
Homemade Pasta Salad Jars

{Source: My Own Ideas}
Goat Cheese & Sun Dried Tomatoes with Garlic Herb Pesto in a Jar

{Source: Eat*Drink*Pretty}
Zucchini and Goat Cheese Tarts in a Jar

{Source: Good Housekeeping}
Shrimp Rillettes in a Jar

{Source: Fuchsia}
Hearty Lentil Stew with Roasted Squash & Pumpkin Jar

{Source: Jones in Hungry}
BBQ Sundae in a Jar

{Source: Giver’s Log}
Chili and Cornbread in a Jar

{Source: Saveur}
Strawberry Moonshine Julep

{Source: Nutrition to Invigorate Mind Body and Spirit}
Mason Jar Mojito Cocktail

{Source: Southern Weddings}
Mason Jar Mojitos

{Source: Martha Stewart}
Lemony Spiked Sweet Tea

{Source: Kahakai Kitchen}
Cranberry Apple Cider Shandy

Now I want to save even more jars!

Why Not Tiptoe Through The Garden With A Herbal Summer Cocktail?

Summer Cocktails with Herbs

via Martha Stewart | Shine Food

Fresh herbs add depth to a variety of drinks. Whether you prefer something classic, like fresh mint, or more unexpected flavors such as thyme or basil, there’s something here for everyone.

Blackberry-Mint Julep
Like the original, our julep features bourbon infused with mint. But this drink’s signature sweetness is tempered by the tartness of blackberries, which also tint it a gorgeous shade of purple. Get the Blackberry-Mint Julep Recipe
Honeydew Mojitos with Melon Balls and Mint
Sure to be the most popular cocktail at your next party, these mint mojitos are updated with the addition of honey-sweet honeydew melon. Get the Honeydew Mojitos with Melon Balls and Mint Recipe
Frozen Bloody Marys
Garnished with fresh basil, these icy bloody Marys are a refreshing summer cocktail. Get the Frozen Bloody Marys Recipe

Plus: Essential Summer Cocktails
Watermelon-Basil Margaritas
After a stay in the freezer, cubes of watermelon become “ice” for this margarita, which gets an herbal edge from basil-infused tequila. Get the Watermelon-Basil Margaritas Recipe
Pear-Rosemary Cocktails
Vodka is infused with fresh pears and mixed with rosemary syrup in this fall-inspired recipe. Get the Pear-Rosemary Cocktails Recipe

Raspberry Lemonade

Mint tempers the sweetness of ripe raspberries in this refreshing drink.

Get the Recipe

Herbal Sodas

Use a variety of herbs, such as basil, lemon verbena, mint, tarragon, or thyme to flavor refreshing non-alcoholic drinks.

Get the Recipe

Licorice-Mint Iced Tea

You can substitute any variety of mint for this recipe. Try interesting flavors such as chocolate mint, orange mint, pineapple mint, or spearmint — or combine several types for a more complex, rich brew.

Get the Recipe

Lillet-Basil Cocktail

For an interesting twist, use sweet, fragrant cinnamon basil in this drink.

Get the Recipe

Peach-and-Rosemary Spritzers

This recipe makes a fragrant pink syrup with the faint aroma of rosemary. It’s lovely with white or rose wine.

Get the Recipe

Thyme Lemonade

The flavor of thyme in this lemonade lends an unexpected grown-up flair to a summer favorite.

Get the Recipe

Plus: More Drinks with Herbs

What to Serve, What to Wear, and How to Decorate For A Spring Garden Party

Julia Bainbridge | Bon Appetit

Photograph by Maria del Mar Sacasa / Ennis, Inc.

Parties tend to be pegged to something: birthdays, Mother’s Day, Cinco de Mayo. And that’s all well and good. But what about a simple ode to the season? Sitting outside and eating good food with people you like for the sake of sitting outside and eating good food with people you like? Yes, it sounds amazing. So throw a spring garden party this weekend. Why the heck not? We’ve planned it all out for you: what to serve, what to serve it on, and what to wear—nail polish included, ladies.

Photograph by Maria del Mar Sacasa / Ennis, Inc.

What to Serve

Nibbles to start:

* Savory Spring Vegetable and Goat Cheese Tart

* Smoked Salmon with Lemon Creme Fraiche

Main event:

* Skillet-Fried Chicken

* Sugar Snap Salad

* Roasted Fingerling Potatoes with Chive Pesto

* Roasted carrots with more chive pesto

Photograph by Maria del Mar Sacasa / Ennis, Inc.

Sweet finish:

* Apricot-Anise Tarts

What to Serve It On

Clockwise, from top left:

Furbish in Raleigh, NC, is a wonderland of colorful fabrics and trinkets, including this melamine tray, which the Furbish team produces itself. Furbish Bright Bouquet Tray, $75; shopfurbish.com

Crafted in Normandy, this flatware is elegant but everyday. Williams-Sonoma Milady 5-Piece Flatware Place Setting, $69; williams-sonoma.com

Diner plates goes garden-party green. Fish’s Eddy Green Band Oval Platter, $16; fishseddy.com

We love the not-quite-bamboo look of these serving utensils. Williams-Sonoma Turned Wood Servers, $39; williams-sonoma.com

A limited collection of Connecticut-based Privet House’s goods has come to Target, including these stoneware plates. Privet House at Target White Embossed Dinner Plate, $28 for 4; target.com

Another of Furbish’s floral trays, this time on a Jolly Rancher-coral background. Furbish Draper Floral Tray, $60; shopfurbish.com

Designed in Canada and produced in India, Pehr napkins are machine washable and made of a natural cottons and linens. Pehr Designs Orange Chainlink Napkin; pehrdesigns.com for where to buy

A cheery pitcher coated with citrus-colored granules. Ripe Kumquat Pitcher, $268p; anthropologie.com

Fancy (goblet) meets unbreakable (acrylic). Martha Stewart Collection Acrylic Goblets, $16 for 4, macys.com

A haute take on a bucket of fried chicken. Gathering Wire Basket, $26; hausinterior.com

You can use these little bowls as salt and pepper cellars or place gardenias in them and scatter them around the table. Fish’s Eddy Zeno Bowl Green, $3; fishseddy.com

Clockwise, from top left:

Buy a pillow for lawn lounging. Fifty percent of the proceeds go to charity peace building initiatives in developing communities. Oimei Co. Karen Cheer Pillow, $40; oimeico.com

Place a number of these vases down the center of your dining table as a kind of runner-cum-centerpiece. ABC Home Small Mercury Glass Vase, $20 each; abchome.com

Use one of these tea towels as a nest for the fried chicken in its wire basket (above), and one to clean up any inevitable spills of rose. Birdkage “Bleecker” Tea Towel, $22 for a set of 2; birdkagestyle.com

For those who don’t like to sit on the grass. Cococozy Cane Throw in Sage Green, $333; cococozy.com

What to Wear: Ladies

Clockwise, from top left:

Cult nail polish brand Butter has just come out with lip gloss, so your pout can match. Butter Nail Polish in Primrose Hill Picnic, $14; butterlondon.com

Yellow says spring to us, and this necklace is made by women in Rwanda through Spade’s organization that assists thousands of women in war-torn countries. Kate Spade Hand in Hand Beaded Links Necklace in Yellow/White, $148; katespade.com

A fairly simple—but just a little bit flirty—dress that can take any kind of bright accessory pairing you fancy. A.P.C. Balloon-Sleeve Dress, $195; apc.fr

‘Tis the season to let those feet (and their painted toenails) out to play. Marais USA Woven Sandal in Blush, $88; maraisusa.com

What to Wear: Gents

Clockwise, from top left:

As classic a button-down shirt as it gets. DO roll the sleeves. Rag & Bone Button Down Oxford, $175; rag-bone.com

These 50s-inspired tortoiseshell sunglasses make the simplest of outfits more chic. Illesteva “Leonard” Sunglasses, $165; openingceremony.us

The color of these pants is called “Apple Green.” Fun! J.Crew “Stanton” Pant, Urban Slim Fit, $70; jcrew.com

Comfy canvas boots refined enough for a dinner party. Toms Canvas Desert Botas in Khaki, $67; toms.com

And for Sh*ts and Giggles

Don’t worry: bocce is not a complicated game. But it’s the ultimate lawn activity for those who get bored of sipping and nibbling all day. (Not us.) Skagerak Akiko Bocce Ball Set, $307, shophorne.com