New Year's Around the Globe

Looking forward to a low key New Year's at a friends house with our girls.

Someday, I'd love to check out these five fun spots around the globe to ring in the New Year!

Paris
Happy Bonne Anees!
The place to be and the center of the party is near the Champs-Elysees.
People flock to the famous streets and enjoy the view of the Eiffel Tower exploding with sparkling light. 

London
Happy New Year!
Once Big Ben strikes midnight, fireworks explode over the London Eye and the Thames.
The show lasts 15 minutes then it's off to celebrate at a local pub!

Sydney
Happy New Year Mate!
Syndey hosts the second biggest New Year celebration near Sydney Harbour Bridge and puts on a spectacular firework show. Afterwards, hit a beach party or bonfire and enjoy the warm weather down under!  

Rio
Also known as Revillion, New Year's in Rio is spent on the beaches of Copacabana (humming a little Manilow) where it's sizzling!  
Most revelers wear white with the belief that doing so will bring prosperity and peace in the coming year.  

New York City
Happy New Year!
At more than 1 million revelers strong, Times Square is the place to be on New Year's Eve when the famous six foot Waterford crystal ball is lowered at the stroke of midnight.
When the fireworks are done, tons of colorful confetti is dropped from buildings surrounding Times Square!  

Although New York is close, I've never been there on New Year's Eve.
Let's face it, I'm not going to stake out my spot 24 hours in advance and battle the crowds!
Ah, a low key New Year's with my family is sounding better and better!

Wishing you all a fabulous New Year - no matter where you are!

Year of the Dragon New Year's Party

2012 marks the Year of the Dragon in the Chinese Zodiac Calendar.  There are 12 animals in the zodiac including the rat, ox, tiger, rabbit, dragon, snake, horse, ram, monkey, rooster, dog and pig.

What better way to ring in 2012 than with a little "Year of the Dragon" party!  

Decorate your home with symbols of Chinese good fortune in colors of bright red and gold/orange which symbolize happiness.  How about some red paper lanterns hanging over the dinner table.   Hope the Dollar Store will have red paper lanterns so I can replicate this look.

Or have the kids make some of these paper lanterns So simple!

Since oranges and tangerines symbolize good health and long life, fill a bowl with the fruits and use them as a centerpiece.  If you need a festive cocktail, click here for my favorite drink recipe!

Fill the house with flowers because if a flower blooms on New Year's Day, it will be a prosperous year! 

Keep the kids busy making this egg carton dragon!  

FYI - I WILL NOT be serving this!!

Wondering what to serve?  Fish and chicken represent prosperity but they must be served whole (not cut into pieces).  Not sure if your guests will run for the hills when you plop an entire chicken including head, tail, feet on the table but you can give it a try!  Noodles represent longevity but must not be cut.  

For dessert, oranges are perfect.  Or how about this simple cake - just bake (or buy!) one and stick a few fortune cookies on top.  Everyone will ooh and ahh your culinary prowess!

Remember, when your guests arrive, greet them with a hearty "Gung Hey Fat Choy"!  Hopefully, they won't be too offended when they realize it means "Wishing you Prosperity and Wealth!"