INSPIRATION: My niece, Yvonne, bought me this fun placard a few years ago to celebrate my favorite party libation.
New Year’s Eve 2013 is just 2 days away, and I say, “Good riddance to you, 2013!” This year SUCKED for me in so many ways! My Dad got sick and passed away, I had surgery that has required many months of painful & tedious rehab…it just plain SUCKED!!! So I’m ready to party and kiss this year goodbye. Martini, anyone?
(Click on any photo to enhance/enlarge it and see details up close.)
I wanted to include a photo of the room in natural daylight and one with the lights dimmed so that you get an idea of the lighting effects. A contemporary dinner/cocktail party like this is really easy to do, and the expense was kept to a minimum by using things I already had and shopping thrift stores.
I started this martini dinnertime tablescape with a 90″ x 132″ black tablecloth from LinenTablecloth.com. Black IS the new black, and it’s bringin’ sexy back stronger than ever! 😉
I played up the blue in the dishes by introducing a square French blue acrylic charger topped with a juxtaposed black one. The black dinner plates are topped with a salad plate and appetizer plate purchased at a crazy rock bottom price at a local thrift store. (I think this will put a big smile on Jamala’s (Vintage 4YourHome.com) face because she is a super thrifter!) Each plate depicts a portly waiter serving up a different vodka-based cocktail.
The contemporary styling of the J.A. Henckels “Bellaserra” flatware is perfect for this setting. The squared off handle complements the straight lines of the double chargers.
A flight of three miniature martini glasses from Crate & Barrel are at each place setting. I like to serve a different vodka-based drink at different intervals of the meal. A water glass is at each place setting because let’s face it…you can only drink so much vodka before your face is in the plate!!! 🙂 The black napkins are simply folded and laced through a French blue squared napkin ring that matches the charger. (Click HERE and scroll down to “And the Winner Is…!” to see another tablescape with a vodka flight.)
The centerpiece is what really brings the drama to this tablescape. For New Year’s Eve, it’s imperative that you include something that has lots of sparkle and light like the Times Square ball! I started the centerpiece with an inexpensive ($3 or $4) black framed door mirror from Old Time Pottery. Mirrors are a GREAT way to stir up drama on your table! (Click HERE, HERE, and HERE for other dramatic centerpieces on this site using large mirrors.)
The square bowls used here, believe it or not, are just black acrylic planters that you can pick up at any floral shop for a couple of bucks. I’ve even seen them in the garden department at Walmart! I chose them for the shape and color. Each bowl is filled with acrylic ice chips lit from beneath with tiny blue LED lights. (If you opt to use real ice, be sure your LEDs are waterproof!)
These are the LED lights used in the centerpiece. You can buy them just about anyplace like Hobby Lobby, Michael’s, or any floral or home accessories shop.
These cool double-decker glass votive holders were purchased on clearance at Pier 1 a few years ago. I like the way they reflect in the mirror beneath!
It ain’t a party unless you’ve got a swanky DIY bar goin’ on!!!
I borrowed these canvases from our lower level bar area & just propped them up on the buffet to hide the mirror on the wall. Adding fun art as a backdrop on your buffet is a little more of that drama I alluded to earlier. (Tip: Shop your house for accessories that can kick your tablescape up a notch.)
How’s THIS for drama? Same concept as what’s going on with the table centerpiece, but this time REAL ice is used to keep shot glasses teeth chattering cold for vodka shots!
Since I bought a whole case of the mini martini glasses, I thought it prudent to use them for serving hors d’oeuvres, too. The mini spoons are from Bed, Bath & Beyond. They also make great dessert vessels!
I have had this oversized martini glass for as long as I can remember. Since I would never dream of drinking a martini this large 😉 , it works nicely as an ice bucket. The silver scoop is a nice addition to fancy it up. Waterproof LEDs add a little zing.
I like to have at least 2 or 3 different brands of vodka on hand to suit guests’ tastes. Caviar is a perfect pairing with ice cold vodka. Hop on Google or Bing to see what other foods to serve with vodka-based drinks for both your cocktail hour and dinner.
Our vintage tea cart is used here as a secondary bar. Have you tried that Pinnacle Whipped Cream vodka?!??!?! T-A-S-T-Y!!! My son’s girlfriend makes something called an Orange Creamsicle. Basically just mix it with good orange soda (Orange Crush seems to be the best because it’s super fizzy) and top with whipped cream. I’ve also seen recipes that call for mixing the vodka with orange juice and lemon-lime soda. DEE-licious! But careful…that bad boy will sneak up on you and bring you to your knees if you’re not careful! 🙂
I wish you all a SAFE and very Happy New Year!!! Thank you for hangin’ out and – perhaps more important – hangin’ in there with me this past year! 2013 sucked a whole lot less because of you!
🙂 🙂 🙂
Other tablescapes on this site great for ringing in the New Year:
“Life Is a Cabaret”
“Fete Noir et Gris”
“Fire & Ice”
“Ringing In the New Year”
“White Hot”
“Little Black Dress”
“Happy Birthday, Barf!”
“Roses in October”
In loving memory of my Dad, James B. “Jim” Wilson, 12/9/23 – 6/12/13. Not a vodka drinker, but one helluva guy…and I miss him.
I’m linking to Cuisine Kathleen’s “Let’s Dish!” and Susan’s “Tablescape Thursday” this week, and I invite you to come along for the ride!
Tablescapes at Table /Twenty-One 
I’ll drink to that! So many in my family are saying 2013 can’t be over too soon. This weekend my dad landed in the hospital throwing up blood. Oye. All in all it was a hard year for so many of us. Kind of the good the bad and the ugly. Thankfully there were good things mixed in. But really it would be fun to sit and have a martini with you and some good appies!…
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You sure did have your share of woes this year Alycia. I remember how hard it was for you when you lost your dad and then your health issues and rehab. I’m so happy to see you creative talent, like this amazing table. Wow, it’s just beautiful! Very glitzy, perfect for NYE. Your guests will certainly approve and enjoy.
Wishing you and yours a wonderful and Happy New Year.
Hugs,
Emily
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Cheers to you too! Boy do I wish I could join you with a drink .. I’m really sorry 2013 wasn’t a good year for you.. I’m sorry to have read about your dad..my condolences to you.. though this year was emotional trying, glad to see you’re ending it with good spirits and a positive outlook.. But… I’m glad 2013 brought me to your website and I’ve established a new cyberspace friend 🙂 … So my dear, I’m wishing you a happier, healthier, and blessed new year!.. ps.. thanks for the shout-out.. chuckles..
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Oh Alycia, this is fabulous. Everything is so elegant. Your ice cube (acrylic) centerpieces are amazing. I used the waterproof tea lights with the little vase filler things that look like eyeballs when they swell up with water for the centerpieces for my son’s wedding. I say skip the floating roses and throw in some ice cubes instead. May you have a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. God bless you and your family.
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These colors are very lux! I’m really liking the fire and ice idea!! Acrylic ice and leds. A definite two thumbs up! Uh-oh…what happened to Geoffrey and his assistant? As for the martinis we all need one for each hand after today’s game loss. Unbelievable! 😦
Cheers to the New Year!!
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Cheers Darling! You are ready! I must say, a flight of martinis at my place is very appealing! Especially since I have been up to my eyeballs with kiddos and relatives! Vodka in quantities is appealing! Have a lovely time, and good riddance to 2013! I wish you a much better 2014!
Jenna
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I love using black on the table, especially for NYE. Love the bar area with those oversized martini paintings. Geez you sure have been busy. Seems like you have posted a new table every day this week! Dianne
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This is absolut—–ly beautiful. Grin.
The colors and geometry on the table, coupled with the lighting and the martini glasses make it all look so SWANKY. When you add the little dishes, it adds a little touch of femininity or whimsy. So I guess we’ll call this one “Whimsical Swank”.
I am so glad to see you setting tables again. I was on a break that lasted way too long, but I’m positive you know how that one goes. I discovered that I was just plain happier when I visited blogs and when I was at least trying to write some of my own. We’ll see how it turns out with a new year.
Hope you are ALL recovered!
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My condolences to you! 2013 is over BUT you have persevered! Hooray!!
…Now, about this Vodka…Yes, I’ll have a few martinis (always do) and have a sexy little black dress to fit the occasion too. 🙂 Love this setting and the salad plates with the butler makes it lively. The Swanky bar, the backdrop… More for me to learn…love it! Thanks Alycia for all that you do. Cheers to 2014!!
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amazing job on this setting i love love love everything may next year bring you more joy than sadness my friend happy new year
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You have definitely inspired me to try using a black tablecloth for a swanky look–so luxe looking, Alycia! And I love the canvases you used for your diy bar on the buffet. Some years are like a book that you’re glad you’ve reached the final chapter–here’s wishing you a bright and happy 2014!
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This is a REALLY COOL table, Alycia, and Yes, I get the pun with all the ice on the table! LOL It’s so dramatic, yet not over the top–I love it! (I always say that, don’t I?? You’re such an original thinker/designer I love them all!).
I DO wish you a great, and HEALTHY 2014, and a happy New Year’s Eve! ~Zuni
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Mmm…Orange creamsicle you say! I think I need to try that. I had sangria for the first time last week and it was good as well. Oh goodness I sound like such a lush! Happy New Year, my beautiful friend! I hope 2014 brings you lots of happiness and vodka!!
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Fabulous! Very dramatic! I must say, I’m not much of a vodka drinker and I don’t believe I’ve ever even had a martini. I’m more of a wine drinker, or at least, I used to be. This past year I’ve become more careful about my diet and have decided that I’d rather eat my carbs (as opposed to drinking them). I am going to remember this cool trick with the led lights! This was awesome!
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I”m ready to say goodbye to 2013 too. Looks like you have it covered for New Year’s Eve. We rarely use our martini glasses. I finally moved them out to the garage because they take up so much room. Guess I should take a cue from you and start using them again. ‘-)
Happy New Year, my friend. 2014 has to be a better year! 😉
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Out with the old and in with the new, and better! Wishing you all the best!!
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Well, my comments didn’t make it through, so here I am again, Love the magic and the led lights. They add elegance and we all know you are the queen. Martini glasses are lovely and I must say, I am ready to try different flavors this year. I tend to forget………Here’s to a bright, happy and healthy new year Alycia.
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Hi Alycia, We love our dads, don’t we? I miss mine every day, but we have to focus on remembering the happy times. Your table is amazing. Amazing. I need to say that twice. Pour me a few of those vodka drinks–that’s my favorite too. Happy New Year! I too am glad the number changed to 2014. Linda
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Wonderful, wonderful table…great way to usher in the New Year. Love your centerpiece!
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I’m sharing this one with my daughter, who’s the true vodka drinker in our family. Best wishes for a better 2014.
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Here’s to all we have shared and to what lies ahead. I toast to you and the ones we have lost with my cosmopolitan, made with vodka of course.
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An elegant, classy table! I love your centerpiece and the dramatic lighting. I hope 2014 finds you healthy and happy. Rosie @ The Magic Hutch
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Alycia, I know you had a hard year, and I pray that in 2014, you will be blessed! I love the blue ice with battery tea lights! I hope you don’t mind, but at some point, I will use this great idea (maybe not for blue ice, but maybe something else). I love the way it glows! You set a beautiful table, once again. Those hats on the wall sconces are genius!
Blessings!
Kim
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Alycia, The glass ice and the battery tea lights is genius. So beautiful. You never cease to amaze me. This table has to be one of my all time favorites. The napkins are great, I am pinning several things.
love to you, Ginger
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Happy New Year Alycia!! I look forward to the new year and know you do too! Xxoo
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Happy New Year Dearest Heart.
In love with the ambiance you created. I’m not sold with the square plates placed in that position – you’re braver than me 😀 – but I’m dying here – envious of those appetizer plates. So funny. And so french like. Love it!
It was good to see 2013 go, lots of suck issues but then again I think back on all inspiration you provided and how we worried for you – even when I thought you had no right to look that good being sick 😉 – and I’m glad we’re here, wishing for a new better year. So we landed in our feet 🙂 that’s good right?!
I’ll drink to that. Pour me a Martini and don’t be stinky with the olives ahahahahah
Happy New Year to you, Lovely Alycia to your Lovely and Amazing (though quick on the publish button) Ramon and your family that allowed us to celebrate the milestones you brought us along with amazing stories and settings.
Cheers,
Teresa
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I agree – hooray for vodka!! My favorite element here are your 3 planters filled with the acrylic ice – I can imagine using this win a variety of ways (as luminaries outside !) Great setting – happy new year!
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Hi Alycia! I’ve got to come here more often, I always get a great tip! I will be stealing your idea of the leds in the ice bucket and centerpieces–that looks so cool! Yes, I love the orange vodka, oj, and sprite drink. Have to pace myself though, I’m not as young as I used to be, ha! I also thought the square plates turned just so looks amazing. You come up with the best ideas. I just know that 2014 will be a better year for you–especially when you start the year like this! Great buy on those plates, too, don’t you just love getting a good deal? Happy New Year to you and yours!! 🙂
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Hmmm… my cocktail was way too far from your adorable cocktail LoL*
BUT! I spotted the Absolut Vodka… that’s Swedish pride… YaaY!
I enjoyed this a lot.
Hugs once again.
/CC girl
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Very cute salad plates. The table is whimsical and elegant at the same time. I love all the sparkles…Christine
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Good riddins to 2013 is right!…So wonderful to start the New Year with a gorgeous table and Vodka…the Orange Creamsicle sounds fantastic…will have to give that a whirl!…
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