A guest post from our friend Shaun Myrick
It’s that time again — time to say good-bye to 2014 and ring in the New Year. My wish for you is that 2015 is one of the best years to date. It’s time to eat, play and live a satisfying, stylish and loving life and to get ready for the New Year. How good is that?
Start the New Year off right — here’s how:
1. Determine which midnight you’ll celebrate. There is no shame in celebrating New Year’s at 9 p.m. and then going to bed-we’re not all night owls.
2. If you’re having a party to ring in midnight, have guests arrive around 9 p.m., this way you can take a nap prior to your guests arrival.
3. Serve a signature champagne cocktail. Save the real champagne for midnight.
4. Have plenty of appetizers to keep your guests fueled up. Most people start a diet the next day; why not start early and have healthy snacks such as veggies, hummus etc. at the ready? We have all had plenty of sweets and fat over the past few weeks, after all.
5. If you have a streaming device, make a photo gallery of the past year. You and your friends can reminisce over the past year.
6. Un-decorate your Christmas tree and redecorate it with streamers and confetti as a New Years Tree.
7. Have guests write down their New Year’s resolutions on index size cards and place them on the tree. If you share your resolution, there are more people to help keep you accountable.
8. Make take away gifts for your guests. I love to make little jars of black eyed peas with seasonings and a recipe for each guest to make on New Year’s Day. It brings good luck!
9. Unless you have quest rooms for everyone, make sure your guests have designated drivers, or have access to a taxi or Uber.
10. Start the New Year by making sure to follow all my tips for your home here.
Happy New Year, Magnolia!
Shaun