My dear readers……it is almost time to be Welcoming In The New Year!
I must confess that I originally posted part of this particular New Year’s post in 2017!!!!!
Yep… 6 years ago!
And then I reposted it again in 2019!
Hmmmmmm there must be a pattern here. LOL
Folks, I use these dishes and appetizers in one way or another each year because…well, because it works and more importantly, I like it.
As many of you know, the Captain flies for a living and there are some years he is not home for New Years Eve… so I don’t usually plan anything other than our Orange Crush New Year’s toast that we do by phone at midnight. The post explaining that story is here.
This post is long and loaded with pictures so grab a cuppa and join me virtually as you are all my friends.
Yesterday, I hosted my Bible Study group and I used a few of my usual appetizers.
I did add an appetizer from last year…Smoked Salmon Blini’s with dill.
So easy to make, in fact almost all of my food was semi homemade.
Instead of making the little pancakes with yeast…I bought the Eggo mini pancakes and made up a mixture of cream cheese, fresh dill, sour cream, lemon juice and salt and white pepper.
I rolled up smoked salmon and sprinkled a little dill on top.
Yummy!
Please forgive the sparse serving plate. I didn’t think to take pics until afterwards. 🙁
I added little smokies with a jelly BBQ sauce, pizzelles, petit fours, cupcakes from Publix (I did stick in a plastic topper) and caramel and cheezy popcorn that was a gift from the Captain’s company.
We ladies toasted in the New Year, in the middle of Friday afternoon on the 30th of December ,2022….with Sparkling Grape juice (white and red).
In addition to the above….below is the post from 6 years ago with more tips and recipes.
So there is still time to make these goodies if you so desire before the New Year tomorrow.
Yep! if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it…I always say.
Tonite, I may be in bed early, but I will set my alarm for a little before midnight and wait for my phone call from the Captain and we will drink our orange Crush as we welcome in 2023!
Then we will have prayer as we praise God for another year.
1 Peter 1:3
“In His great mercy He has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead.”
Now, I will share an old tablescape as we enter into a new year.
I love this festive table and our guests loved it too…don’t let the clocks fool you.
The year I posted this, we had an early dinner, our guests went home and the Captain and I went to bed about 11 p.m.
We did manage to wake up and celebrate at the stroke of midnight with our Orange Crush!
See this post for the orange soda explanation. 🙂
This platter was so easy…I bought cupcakes at the supermarket and placed a sparkler in the center of each one.
Sorry, I forgot to put the cupcakes into the silver and gold cupcake liners after sitting them on the platter. It makes your cupcakes look a bit home made.
Oops!
And the simple to make appetizers will surprise you…
Here is the secret ingredients for the appetizer bites.
Are you ready? You won’t believe how simple this is.
…Mini frozen Eggo waffles, Chick-Fil-A nuggets, maple syrup and red pepper jelly!
Say What?????
Just place the waffles in the oven per directions on the box, top with your favorite chicken nuggets and drizzle the mixture of maple syrup and red pepper jelly to taste over the top and serve! Oh so crispy and I’ll bet you can’t eat just one. 🙂
AND the combination of the syrup and jelly taste wonderful the next day on pancakes …or left over mini waffles for your New Year’s Day breakfast! 😉
AND the pudding parfaits couldn’t be easier, and they are just waiting for someone to grab a long teaspoon.
Like a Iced tea long teaspoon…oh wait!
They are iced tea spoons!
See? Use what you have on hand.
So simple to make too!
You can make your own pudding(s)…chocolate and vanilla OR you can do what I did and buy already made puddings!
Then you cut up an angel food cake or pound cake or whatever your choice is and layer in a parfait glass and top with whipped cream.
I sprinkled gold sugar (from Michael’s) on the top.
Quick and easy and pretty.
How simple is that?
Oh, and a suggestion for making them?
Use a plastic bag and cut off the tip for piping in the puddings and you won’t mess up the sides of your narrow parfait glasses.
(I always think I don’t need to use that step…but when I am done “spooning”, I have that old hindsight is 20/20 thing)
Oh, and I tossed in a few silver dragees.
They are safe to eat, but if your guests are concerned…just eat around them.
Then I poured the champagne …use the good glasses, they are so pretty with some of the same gold sugar on the rims.
Now that we have talked about the food, let’s talk about the table.
I used a black tablecloth and black linen napkins.
The clock salad plates are an old Pottery Barn purchase many years ago when living in Seattle.
I don’t think you can find them anymore.
I have always liked them and use them for every New Year’s Eve or anytime I have a clock theme.
I have the napkin rings, the little saucers and the dinner plates.
I like that the plates and napkin rings have different clock faces as you can see. Sooooo cool.
I also have the platter (holding the cupcakes) and the dipping bowls (holding the votive candles)
The square chargers are silver and a black plate sits beneath the clock plates.
I used gold flatware and black napkins and sprinkled star and circle confetti on the black tablecloth.
This makes the stars and circle confetti pop.
You can’t begin a countdown unless you have an hour glass on the table….and of course several clocks of various sizes and shapes.
A tall aspen tree adorned with small led lights sits in the center of the table along with a few sprigs of flocked pine needles.
There are also party hats and party horns.
The champagne bucket sits on one end of the tablescape and has a “cheers” wine stopper sitting in the bucket.
I found it at Pier 1 along with the initial “M” wine stopper.
Below you will see the black and white straws with black bow ties I found at World Market, along with a few “poppers, or crackers” that I like to give my guests as party favors.
I don’t remember where I purchased the paper napkins.
The gold swizzle sticks with various words atop …are really cool too…..
…..and I placed each one in the flutes.
So dear friends….this was how we spent last New Year’s Eve enjoying the company of good friends.
I hope this gives you a few ideas for your New Year’s Eve celebration.
Just remember, whether you are at home or at a party, above all…please be safe!
“Here’s to a bright New Year and a fond farewell to the old;
here’s to the things that are yet to come,
and to the memories that we hold.”
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here.”
This past year has been filled with Covid, hurricanes, blizzards, uncertainty and disappointments…BUT this new year as we embark on true life change, we should get ourselves into a truly humble position and start off the year with a spirit of praise.
Happy New Year my dear sweet and wonderful friends.
God Bless You.
Beautiful tablescape my friend! And the pretty parfaits are wonderful!
Happy New Year!
Thank you Nancy….I wish a wonderful happy New Year for you and your wonderful sweet man. I so enjoy your Tuesday Tidbits. Hugs Always
Hi Kari. Happy New Year. What a gorgeous and festive table. I love the black, white and gold and silver theme. Your clock plates are so unique and so appropriate for the new year celebration. The appetizers look so delicious. I am a big fan of the chicken and pepper jelly. So simple. I need to keep reminding myself that entertaining doesn’t need to be overly involved. I like it when there are ready-mades to make things delicious but easier. It was a beautiful way to ring in the new year.
Thanks Marsha…as I get older, I find that I don’t need to spend so much time making everything from scratch…semi homemade works just as well. Happy New Year dear friend.
Happy 2023, Kari! I love the tradition of Orange Crush that you and the Captain share each year. Like Rita said, I would love an update post Ian. You are a blessing, my friend ♥️
Thank you Pam….I reposted an in depth explanation of the orange crush as a few said they couldn’t link to it. I also included an update on Ian. Have a wonderful 2023 with your RM and beautiful grands. God Bless you all.
Happy 2023 Kari! I hope yours is full of fun, health and happiness!
Right back at ya Jenna…May 2023 be the best ever. Happy New Year!
Dear Kari,
You did a lovely setting as always. I love the tradition you and The Captain share. Happy 2023, stay well and safe.
Love you!
Thanks Sandy…you are too kind. so glad KC won today but it was not the Chiefs best game. But a W is a W!!! Hugs and Happy New Year.
Happy New Year, Kari. 2022 was certainly challenging for you at home, and I hope to read an update soon as to whether you guys have recovered and how your neighborhood is doing post Ian. I love your ritual you and your Captain share to ring in the new year. ♥
Rita I am reposting the story of the orange crush and our annual celebration AND I am including an update on the Hurricane…AND I am sorry WV lost to KState. We almost lost to Oklahoma State…that winning by 2 points in the last tenth of a second is nerve racking. LOL Happy New Year my friend.
Being a relatively new reader, I am happy that you reposted parts of “Welcoming in the New Year”. Your glittery table is just stunningly gorgeous. Loved your Orange Crush story and how you didn’t let the Captain’s work schedule interrupt your toasting in each new year. Happy New Year, Kari!
I am so glad you are here Jan…and thank you for your kind comments. Have a Happy New Year and may 2023 be the best year ever for you and yours..
Kari, it is all so festive and beautiful! I love the plates and napkins…gorgeous! I hope you have a Happy New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day! Love and hugs!
thanks Benita…..Happy New Year and always hugs!
Oh Kari, and my husband wonders why I have so many dishes!!! I remember years ago you invited my girls and me to your home for a luncheon/tea! Your table was absolutely beautiful!!!! I wanted to be just like “Kari”. Well, I attempt it, but never turns out as awesome!!! I’ll keep trying, you keep mentoring! Love you! God Bless you and the Captain as we begin a New Year! ❤️
Awe thanks Laura….you are missed my friend. Unfortunately, I am still collecting dishes though I am running out of room fast. I guess it is the kid in me…playing with dishes. Happy New Year to you and Chuck and your grown up girls.
Happy New Years Eve to you and the Captain. I LOVE your table, it’s so creative and fun.
thanks Sandy….Happy New Year to you and yours…and may the new year be very special for you my friend.
Very festive New Year’s fun!! I love the pretty parfaits, and using ice tea spoons is brilliant! Happy New Year Kari! 🍾
Jenna
thanks my friend, and Jenna, I want to wish you and your family a Happy New Year full of wonderful and exciting times. 🙂
Kari, the table is fantastic in all its details, and I really like that little waffle nosh! It sounds so good, and I think Mr. P. (P can also stand for picky) would like those! Happy New Year, my friend! I look forward to your posts and friendship in 2019!
Right back at ya Rita….Here’s to our 2019 blogging world. …and more organization for me. ;0
Love your table!!! Is there a way to print your recipes off your blog? I can’t figure out how to do it easily. And, hope you have a great New Year’s celebration. ~ margo
Thanks Margo!!!! There should be a print box, on the recipe…. but I will check it out to see if something happened to it. I know You can always do a copy and paste to word or pages but I will see if there is a problem. Happy New Year to you and Joth! 🙂
Absolutely fabulous table scape. You have really out done yourself this time. Will it be featured in Southern Living or some other well read “home styling magazine”? If not it should be.
Best of everything for you and yours in 2017.
Amazing table Kari.
Best wishes to you and your Captain and I raise my glass to you for a truly wonderful 2017.
Love from across the pond
Ross xx
Right back at you my friend….to you and yours.
Hugs always
XXXX