NYE PLANS
NYE Plans? The past few years we've stayed in and brought in the new year with my parents, fighting to stay awake til midnight and watching the ball drop on tv. Exciting, I know, but I kind of enjoy the relaxing bit and of course, my parents company. Years before that we fought the crowds and party hopped, spending most of the night in lines for the bar or the loo, only to come home early and drink champagne on our porch in the company of our pups. This year we have friends coming to stay and I'm giddy with excitement. We live about an hour outside of the city on a couple acres of land, needless to say we rarely get visitors. So these past few days have been about tidying up the house, clearing some of the christmas clutter away, and the fun part - Party Planning. Well, its really more like a gathering and just the four of us plus our two babes, but I'm excited to spend it with dear friends and to make it a magical night. I've been reading all the magazines and googling all the things trying to find enticing drink offerings and snacks galore. Sharing a bit of what I found below ( if I've kept you around this long )...
DRINKS. we all know champagne is a given, but I also wanted something a little more fun. I stumbled upon Bon Appetit's cocktail list for NYE and found some fun options. You can find it here.
Our Picks - the Campari Spritz ( I'm not a sweet drinker ). the Cold Toddy ( for those whiskey lovers and ones with sniffles ). And you have to have a punch, we went the Pomegranate Champagne Punch ( see below ). 
SNACKS. we all need something to munch on, but nobody wants to be stuck in the kitchen cooking or cleaning all evening.
There will be no seated dinner at our house this new years, so for the main dish I'm going with pork tacos. I plan on slow-cooking a pork shoulder most the day, and then Voila, self serve tacos with some easy toppings laid out ready for whenever someone is ready to eat.
Finger foods are a must when you are having guests and drinking for hours waiting for the clock to strike. I wanted some fresh ideas and landed upon Elle Decor's list of New Year's appetizers you can skim over here.
Our Picks - The Crudité Platter from Half Baked Harvest looks AMAZING. I will try to whip up something close to as badass as this ( see photo below ). Everyone loves a cheese plate, Whole Foods gives some good tips on creating variety with taste and texture when creating your cheese board here. 
What to Wear. I will probably be in something comfy and cozy, but if you're going out on the town the fun of getting dressed up dancing around to your favorite tunes is one of the best parts.
I recommend wearing something no one else will have on - our hand-dyed Velvet Collection is PERFECT. Drapey velvet roomy enough for all the drinks, snacks, and dance moves. If you prefer fitted, throw a belt on that waist of yours. Each one is hand painted and dyed and our favorite part - One of a Kind.
Some of our Favorite Looks - 
While it may be too late to shop online, you can find a selection of our Velvet Collection at the following boutiques in NC - Edge of Urge in Raleigh and Wilmington. Covet Atelier in Charlotte. Patricia Boutique in Southern Pines. Please contact or visit each store to see what is currently in stock and their holiday hours.
Have a safe and fun NYE, and of course, wishing you a wonderful New Year in 2019. XOXO