Monthly Archives: December 2012

Celebration – New Year’s Eve / Day

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I remember when I was a little girl; I couldn’t wait to be old enough to stay up for midnight on New Year’s Eve.  One year I had a girlfriend sleeping over and just before midnight we took pots, pans and wooden spoons from the kitchen, went outside and banged the heck out of them to make noise to celebrate the New Year.  Those pots and pans where dented beyond repair and my Mother was so mad that we had ruined them!!  (I wasn’t going to name names but … Sally!)  One of my New Year’s Eve traditions since I was a teenager is watching “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve” every year.  The show always had the best pop and rock bands – and it was much cooler then the Guy Lombardo show that my parent’s watched!!

New Year’s morning I was always in front of the TV sitting on the floor in our living room watching the Pasadena Rose Parade – I loved the floats and enjoyed the marching bands.  I could never understand why it was such a big deal when the announcers talked about the great weather in “Sunny California” until we moved to the Midwest!   I must admit looking out the window at the snow and seeing the cold temperature on the thermometer, I am jealous of the warmer weather back home in California!  As a child watching the parade on TV, I wished that someday I could see the parade in person.  Finally I had my chance when the year of the 100th anniversary of the Rose Parade, my son and I left the house at 2AM and drove to Pasadena.  We camped out on Colorado Blvd with thousands of other people to watch the parade live – it was so exciting!  My next big wish was to actually work on a Rose Parade float.  A few years later I got the chance when my husband and I volunteered to be on the floral decorating crew of the AAA Southern California Auto Club float and we actually got to help decorate and put the flowers on their float – it was so cool!

Now that I’m older, on New Year’s Eve I’m lucky to stay wake and you will probably find me dozing off on the couch or sound asleep in bed before the clock strikes midnight!!

NEW YEAR’S TRIVIA

  1. Since 1907, a crystal ball has been dropped in New York City’s Times Square.  The Waterford Crystal ball, weighing 11,875 pounds and measuring 12 feet in diameter, begins to descent at 11:59 PM and at the stroke of midnight it reaches the bottom and the crowds go wild in Times Square while millions of people watch on TV.  From 1981 to 1988, the ball was designed in the shape of a large apple to honor New York City’s nickname, the Big Apple.
  2. From 1972 to 2011, Dick Clark has produced and hosted “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve”.  Except for 2005, when he suffered a stroke in early December and his voice and mobility were severely affected so he was unable to be there in Times Square.  Ryan Seacrest was the substitute host that year and has remained as co-host and executive producer since then.  Dick Clark returned the next year and appeared on the show until sadly he died in April 2012 of a heart attack.  It will be a bittersweet celebration this year without him.
  3. Father Time and Baby New Year have symbolized the yearly change for centuries and were often used in political cartoons.  Father Time is shown as an old bearded man dressed in a long robe, carrying a scythe, wearing a sash with the year ending across his chest and he symbolizes the year that is ending.  At the end of the old year and the start of the New Year, Father Time will hand over his duties to the brand new Baby New Year.  The Baby New Year is shown as an infant dressed in only a diaper, top hat and wearing a sash across his chest that shows the new year that is just starting.

Happy New Year!

Barbara Jones

Decor – New Year’s Party Decorations

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New Year's Day Buffet 8There is something classic about the color combination of silver and white.  These are the perfect colors for our New Year’s buffet this holiday season.  Whenever I am shopping in places like Home Goods or antique stores on a weekend trip, I always keep my eye open for beautiful serving pieces to add to my collection of party and special occasion tableware.  I have several silver bowls, silver serving platters and a beautiful silver/mirror cake stand.  I also have several crystal bowls and a lovely clear glass serving platter with frosted snowflakes.   Several of these pieces will be used for the New Year’s buffet.

Currently on the dining room table is the Fall Victorian Centerpiece that I made this year for Thanksgiving and it has remained for the Christmas season.  (Please see the November Craft post for photos and instructions)  This centerpiece will be removed for the buffet and I will use a white tablecloth with a simple holly leaf design for the party.  Next I will set out a new floral centerpiece I made of white poinsettias with crystal and pearl accents in a silver bowl and on either side I will use two newly polished silver candelabras with white candles.  For some additional interest to the table, I will hang crystal snowflakes from the dining room chandelier.  To add even more sparkle I will scatter around the table glass tealight holders.  For this party I will be using our Noritake Rothschild china, antique silverware and Italian crystal glasses for an elegant New Year’s buffet.

New Year's Day Buffet 9    New Year's Day Buffet 10

New Year's Day Buffet Centerpeice    New Year's Day Buffet cake

I think these decorations will make a festive party for our friends to ring in the New Year!!

Travel – A Disney Christmas

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What could be a more perfect place to celebrate the holiday season than … Disneyland!

Growing up in Southern California, our family has been going to Disneyland since it opened back in 1955.  We have so many great memories of the “Happiest Place on Earth”.  Disneyland is magical on an ordinary day – but the Christmas season is extra special!

Officially the holiday season is November 12, 2012 to January 6, 2013.  Please check the Disney website for current Holiday information regarding park hours, etc. at disneyland.disney.go.com

MAIN STREET

In Town Square a 60 foot Christmas tree is decorated with 4,800 energy- efficient LED lights and over 2,000 ornaments including a 3 foot gold star at the top for the holiday season.  During Disneyland’s 50th anniversary celebration in 2005, the ornaments and decorations on the Main Street Christmas tree were all a golden color.  As you look down Main Street there are pine garlands strung from one side of the street to the other side with a Hidden Mickey shaped wreath in the center.  (We love Hidden Mickey’s!!)  At the end of Main Street is Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, the iconic symbol of Disneyland.  During the holiday season the castle’s overlay gives the most enchanting winter appearance and the castle turrets are “snow” covered with more than 80,000 lights to give the beautiful effect as if the icicles were sparkling when lit at night.

    

A CHRISTMAS FANTASY PARADE

The “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” debuted during the 1994 holiday season at Disneyland.  Featured in the parade are about 200 performers and several themed floats.  My favorites are the marching toy soldiers from “Babes in Toyland”, the dancing snowflakes and the prancing reindeer.  Riding on the floats are all the favorite Disney characters and the final one has Santa flying over the float in his sleigh.

TIP: Check the parade schedule when you arrive and get to the parade route early for the good viewing spots.  While you are waiting for the parade to begin, I would suggest having someone get some food to bring back to your parade spot to eat a quick meal or maybe have someone get some fast passes to a ride to use when the parade is over.

IT’S A SMALL WORLD HOLIDAY

Since 1997, one of Disneyland’s most popular rides, “It’s A Small World”, has featured a holiday overlay during the Christmas season.  Closed in October and reopened in early November through January, the attraction is transformed by a crew of over 30 Technical Services Cast Members who decorate both the interior and exterior with 350,000 lights especially for the holidays. (In January the attraction closes again to remove the overlay)  The attraction takes guests on the same boat ride through the countries of the world but the ride’s original soundtrack is mixed with “Jingle Bells” and “Deck the Halls”.  Listen for the mermaids in the South Seas section of the ride – they sing their own holiday version of “Jingle Shells”.

As you ride the “It’s A Small World Holiday” attraction be prepared for sounds, sights and even smells.  In the European sections of the ride there are the wonderful smells of freshly cut pine and sweet peppermint candy canes.  Just before the South Seas section there are magical bubbles and look for the plate of fish left out for Santa by Ariel and her under sea friends.  In the attraction’s final scene they recently added 14 foot sparkling snowmen, surrounded by twirling snowflakes and holding a “Happy Holidays” sign sculpted out of “ice” that magically changes color.

HAUNTED MANSION HOLIDAY

Since 2001, the “Haunted Mansion” in New Orleans Square had received a holiday overlay inspired by Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas” movie.  The attraction is closed for two weeks in September as the Technical Service Cast Members convert the ride into the “Haunted Mansion Holiday”.  The overlay features Jack Skellington who brings his creepy friends from Halloween Town to the mansion with hundred’s of evil Christmas presents and decorations. The ride becomes a twisted blend of Christmas with a Halloween style!  The “Haunted Mansion” attraction is reopened in late September is shown through January.

To combine both holidays, the outside the “Haunted Mansion” it is decorated with jack-o-lanterns and Christmas decorations.  On the roof is Jack Skellinton’s coffin sleigh.  The portraits in both the stretching room and the portrait hall have been replaced with Christmas scenes that turn into scary scenes inspired by “The Nightmare Before Christmas” movie.  Instead of the black crows that appear in different rooms of the mansion there is a Vampire Teddy.  As the “doom buggies” move into the ballroom, the ghosts are still there but the table is now set for a Christmas party and there is a large gingerbread (or should I say gingerdread) house which the Imagineers change every year.  As the ride proceeds into the attic the decorations have been replaced with creepy presents and toys.  A huge snake seems to travel across the entire room holding a “naughty and nice list”.  At the graveyard gate instead of the the wide-eyed caregiver and the shaking dog, there is now Jack dressed as “Sandy Claws” and his dog, Zero.  The graveyard is covered with snow the iconic spiral hill featured in the movie with falling snowflakes instead of ghosts rising.  As the “doom buggies”  enter the crypt, instead of the three hitchhiking ghosts there is Oogie Boogie who bids a final goodbye and at the end of the ride as guests exit up the escalator there is a tiny version of Sally who tells everyone to hurry back!

SANTA’S HOLLY JOLLY JAMBOREE

Located at the Big Thunder Ranch in Frontierland during the holiday season is “Santa’s Holly Jolly Jamboree”.  This is where Santa and Mrs. Claus are celebrating a western style Christmas.  It is a great opportunity to get that photo with Santa and also a chance to get one with the very camera shy Mrs. Claus.  Then walk over to the corral where there are several live reindeer for everyone to see.  This area in Frontierland is a fun place to bring the children for crafts, games and music!

    

BELIEVE…IN HOLIDAY MAGIC FIREWORKS SPECTACULAR

In 2000, Disneyland created the “Believe … There’s Magic in the Stars” fireworks show.  It proved so popular with their guests that Disney decided to create a holiday version.  “Believe … In Holiday Magic” fireworks show runs over 13 minutes and includes various Christmas songs.  At the conclusion of the show, Sleeping Beauty’s Castle is beautifully lighted with sparkling icicles but the best part is with the aid of cleverly hidden machines it actually snows on Main Street! (also at the Small World and Fantastmic fireworks viewing areas)  It is the perfect end to a holiday visit to Disneyland!

The photo at the right shows my son with Goofy Santa.   In 1991, we stayed at a nearby hotel in Anaheim and went to Disneyland on Christmas morning and it was a once in a lifetime experience!  There were almost no crowds until the afternoon and we had a wonderful time.

TIP: When planning a trip to Disneyland during the holiday season, be prepared for large crowds.  The week between Christmas and New Year’s is one of the busiest times at the park.

Be sure at check ahead of time for current park hours and other important information such as parade and fireworks showtimes at
disneyland.disney.go.com

For a wonderful idea that brings a little Disney into a home at Christmas time, please check out this month’s Craft post Christmas Wreaths.  For ideas on displaying a Disney collection throughout the year, please check out the Decor post Disney Memorabilia Collection.

Celebration – Gift Wrap 101

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After several trips to a favorite retail store or braving the crowds at the local mall, you’ve made your purchases for family and friends, everyone is checked off the Christmas list and the shopping is finally done!  Now, with some simple materials and a few suggestions and tips the presents can be wonderfully gifted wrapped in some unique ways to make your presents very memorable.

When gift wrapping presents for the holiday season, be creative with style, color and the use of embellishments.  Don’t limit yourself to the rolls of gift wrap paper in the Christmas aisle in your local retail store.  The local craft store or fabric store are a great source for gift wrap supplies, think about using fabric for wrapping, silk or wired ribbons, flowers or feathers for decorations on the presents.  The sewing notion section is an unusual source for gift wrap embellishments such as buttons, tassels, zippers, etc.  The scrapbook section in your local craft store is also a great source for creating gift tags and other decorations for finishing off those holiday gifts.

SAFETY CAUTION: When using small items for gift wrap decorations please be aware if you have small children in the house that can get ahold of the presents.  Store these gifts in a safe place until it is the time to open gifts or keep them out of reach and store in a high place that children cannot get to.  

Listed below are suggestions for several styles of gift wrap choices –

ROMANTIC STYLE

When gift wrapping a present for a mother, wife or sister consider a romantic style.  I would describe a romantic style as classic and feminine.  Use soft jewel tones such as: tiffany blue, fuchsia, sage green and rose or metallic colors such as: silver, gold and bronze.  Think about patterned paper, such as: floral and toile prints or textured wrapping papers, such as: flocked or embossed velvet.  Look to the fashion runway ball gowns for inspiration for wrapping presents in a romantic style.

As an alternative for traditional wrapping paper, check out the local fabric store for elegant fabrics to use in wrapping the presents, such as silks or satins.  The ribbon aisle is a wonderful source for silk and wired ribbons in hundreds of colors and prints to tie up a present.  Silk flowers can add a beautiful finishing touch; just tuck a shortened stem into the knot of a bow.  Check out the costume jewelry department in a local retail store for beautiful sparkling broaches to pin onto a present.

HINT:  Fabrics can be tricky to work with at first when wrapping a gift.  Normal gift wrap tape will not adhere to the fabric so try double sided tape on the fabric surfaces to secure.  (Celebrity stylists use this old Hollywood Red Carpet trick for their client’s clothes and it can work for gift wrapping as well)  Practice folding the fabric in a traditional gift wrapping style or if this proves too tricky simply gather the fabric at the top of the present, secure and tie with a ribbon.

MASCULINE STYLE

For a masculine style be inspired by menswear when wrapping a present for a father, husband or brother. Use darker colors, such as: hunter green, burgundy and navy blue.  Look for wrapping paper in plaids, herringbone and pinstriped patterns.

Check out your local fabric store for masculine fabrics to use, such as: corduroy, flannel, suede or simulated leather.  Be inspired by fabric normally used in menswear, such as: tartan plaids, black and white herringbone and grey or navy pinstripe fabrics.  The ribbon aisle is a great source of different styles of ribbons, such as: suede, leather or menswear patterns.  Once again, check out the sewing notions department in the local craft store for unique buttons to attach to the present.

When gift wrapping presents such as formal tailored shirts use the accessories as gift wrap accents.  Think about using the coordinating tie purchased with the shirt tied with a traditional Windsor knot and secured to the outside of a present or if he uses a bow tie instead consider pinning it on the outside of the present.  One suggestion is use a one or two inch wide solid color ribbon or a leather or suede strip around the present vertically and glue several buttons down the front to simulate a shirt front.  The matching pocket square can also be attached to complete the look.

(Please refer to the hint above when working with fabric for wrapping gifts)

EDGY STYLE

An eddy style of gift wrapping is perfect for the teenager or young adult.  Black will be the obvious color used with accents of metal or leather for a bold look.  Neon colors of hot pink, tangerine orange and lime green could also be used as a trendy alternative. Also look for wrapping paper in bold and geometric patterns for a modern look.  Check the ribbon aisle in the local craft store for ribbons that are appropriate for an edgy style.

Black wrapping paper can be hard to find, so if you can’t find any in the stores use regular black scrapbook paper in a cool “torn” effect over colored or patterned wrapping paper.  Select a strip of black paper long enough to go around the entire present.  Use a straight-edge ruler on top of black paper and gently tear the paper for a rough edge look with tattered edges. Attach the torn black paper around the present.

Check the sewing notion aisle in the craft store for zippers to use as decoration.  Cut up a zipper at the bottom and this will give you two separate pieces to use.  Zippers come in all different lengths so you will be able to find for the present or tie two pieces together if you need a larger length. Coil the zipper and it can become a cool edgy flower!

NATURE-INSPIRED STYLE

For those nature or outdoor loving family or friend’s presents, consider using supplies from nature.  Start by wrapping the present with simple brown craft paper or solid colored paper such as: green for the forest or blue for the sky and ocean.  Use grosgrain and silk ribbons to add texture and color to the presents.  You can gather materials from the forest or seashore but the local craft store is also a good source.  Items to look for as accessories would be – pinecones, artificial pine branches, holly branches or poinsettias for a traditional Christmas look or feathers and seashells for a non-traditional look.

HINT:  When gathering materials from the forest or seashore to use for gift wrapping, please be advised that they could contain bugs or other creatures.

TIPS AND SUGGESTIONS

TIP #1

Shop early for gift wrap supplies – that means shopping the Christmas sales the year before.  If you shop when these items first go on sale there is a better selection.  Find some space in a hall closet or a seldom used room to store these supplies until the next year.  When shopping for supplies look for wrapping paper, ribbon, gift tags and embellishments to create a fabulous wrapped gift.

TIP #2

Instead of purchasing yards of fabric, for smaller presents look in the home furnishing section of the local retail store for fabric dinner napkins.  Napkins are usually available in an assortment of colors, fabrics and even holiday prints.

Craft – Christmas Kissing Ball

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The holly and the ivy have been used in English Christmas decorations for centuries.  The English people in olden days had no retail stores available to purchase holiday decorations so they decorated their houses with the evergreens available in their local woodland and forest areas – holly, ivy, mistletoe, pine and fir.  These plants stayed green all year and became symbols of life during the cold winter months.  They decorated with swags and garlands made of pine and fir boughs intertwined with holly and ivy.  Mistletoe was believed to have miraculous healing powers and was placed over doorways to ward off evil spirits and bring health, happiness and good luck.

An old midwinter custom in English villages dating back to medieval times was to hold a singing contest between the men and the women.  It was a chance for the villagers to gather for celebration, singing and dancing.  Using the holly and ivy as symbols, the men sang songs praising the masculine qualities of the rigid leafed holly while the women sang about the feminine qualities of the softer ivy.  The matter of who won the contest was frequently resolved under the mistletoe where young men of the village had the privilege and opportunity of kissing the girls.  As the couples kissed, they would pluck a berry from the mistletoe and when all the berries are gone the kissing privilege ceases.  (What a charming and romantic story!)

For your next Christmas party try adding some fun and excitement by making your own Kissing Ball.  Hang it in an area of the home where your guests are sure to walk under it – just don’t hang it too low so they hit their heads!

Christmas Kissing Ball – supplies

  • 3 or 4 inch Styrofoam ball (I found one already covered in moss at my local craft store)
  • Artificial pine, ivy, holly and mistletoe
  • Artificial red berries
  • Ribbon

Christmas Kissing Ball – instructions

  1. Cut the pine, ivy, holly and mistletoe into small workable pieces about 3 inches long.
    (Check the Christmas floral aisle in your local craft store early for the best selection – sometimes you can buy pre-cut pieces already shortened to the desired length)
  2. Insert and glue each piece of pine, ivy, holly and mistletoe separately.  Evenly space each type of greenery across the entire Styrofoam ball and fill all the empty spaces.
    (If desired, hot glue small amounts of Spanish moss to fill any empty spaces)
  3. Insert and glue red berries, scattered evenly across the Styrofoam ball.
  4. When the Styrofoam ball is completely covered, cut some festive ribbon to the desired length for hanging and attach to the top of the ball.

    

The Christmas Kissing Ball is finished and ready to hang – so, get ready to pucker up!!