THE STORY BEHIND THE STYLE

Should old acquaintance ~ or family or childhood memories ~ be forgot ~ and never come to mind? Absolutely not! At this time of year, I can't help but not only reflect on the passing year, but all the years that have passed. And as much modern style I 'think' I may have, I do become a traditionalist at New Years. I grew up in a house that no matter how tough times may have gotten (remember the recession in the 70's?) my parents and their friends still managed to ring in the new year with a party in our New Jersey basement...

New Years morning - NJ in the 1970's

I slept through most of their New Years Eve parties - although I don't know how!! One of the things they use to do was POP all the balloons with their lit cigarettes at midnight! And my dad would go outside - even in the snow - to light off fireworks in an old milk can we had out back. I'd wake up around 6am and they'd STILL be going... Party hats, noise makers and all... half empty chips and dip bowls and glasses on the bar... leftover dishes like lasagna and sausage & peppers would be over on the buffet (everyone brought a dish!) and there I was, wanting to be a part of it...

New Years Morning - NJ 1970's

My parents even made some of the New Years decor like these hats: Just plain black felt top hats, but my dad took a little masking tape, glitter, and spray paint (hmmmm....) and they made these festive top hats they could resuse every year! My dad had built that thirteen foot bar - plywood, walnut paneling and moldings. With a jigsaw, he even cut out my parents initials along with some martini glasses he mounted in its front. The bar top was RED Formica, framed with the walnut molding, which also he installed Christmas lights up under with garland at Christmas. Above the bar was the (motorized) mirrored ball, WITH... two spot light boxes my dad also made and hung in the corners of the bar overhang.

New Years Eve-Day - NJ 1970's

Oh ~ but the decorating for him didn't stop there. Some of our holiday decor in the basement (I learned later in life) my dad found in good old New York City. He went dumpster diving or curb mining at Macy's in Herald Square. With a little spray paint (hmmmmm again) they were as good as new (and Champagne Gold too!) During New Years Eve 'day', I'd help blow up balloons to help flood the ceiling with. I don't know how more didn't pop before NYE, because he had to attach them (with a white tack) in between all the StarBrite (now vintage) ornaments and tinsel he already had hung from the ceiling (he was a true believer in decorating that fifth wall!)



Here it is in color...



That tinsel filled ceiling and mirrored ball did it for me. Who knew that glitz & glamour would translate so many years later to my favorite tablescape to set: New Years Eve. Although I don't have a big party, it's more of a quiet evening for two (plus our furball), but I still like for it to be fun and festive! Last year, around this time, I had just started the blog. I used a more tutorial voice when I wrote the post about a New Years Eve tablescape called No Reservations Required. You can still get some helpful tips from it, that I refreshed today... but for now, here are just the images ~ more than the original post... Thanks for the inspiration DAD!!!

I may use a little gold with the silver this year... but one thing is for sure...

I will still be using my 'traditional' mirrored disco balls in honor

of my dad and his

love of celebrating New Years Eve...

BTW: I hope to be sharing just one more New Years Eve tablestyling idea, I came across yesterday... I'll try to be posting tomorrow...

Can't wait ~ It's almost here!!

Happy (early) New Year!!

LINKING THIS POST TO

The Original Post: No Reservations Required

and these parties!

A Stroll Thru Life - Tablescape Tuesday

Between Naps On The Porch - Tablescape Thursday