Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers

Home For New Year's Eve

New Year's Eve is special because it offers hope. It's a moment to reflect on the past and make resolutions for the future. Even if we don't stick to them, on this particular evening our intentions are what counts. And we all have good ones. If you plan to stay home with a loved one on New Year's Eve make the living room as romantic as possible. In this way whatever words of wisdom you exchange and promises you vow to keep will seem all the more important.

Keep It Soft & Romantic
It doesn't take much to create a room filled with hope for a brighter future. Candles do it for me, lots and lots of candles. No harsh lights to illuminate reality, like walls that need painting or slipcovers that could use a cleaning. That is not the stuff upon which a romantic evening is based.

Lovely Scents
Make the room smell like a holiday. All it takes is the scent of pine from the Christmas tree, a burning fire, something warm and delicious simmering on the stove or baking in the oven, and bowls filled with lemons and limes studded with cloves.

Spice It Up
Spice boil bag: Peel around an orange to make a continuous strip of rind. Cut several smaller strips of rind. Place these, 1-2 tablespoons of whole cloves and 3 cinnamon sticks in the center of a square of cheesecloth. Gather the ends of the cheesecloth and gently tie with the long strip of orange rind. Place the bag into 2 cups of water over low heat, or in an uncovered teapot for 2-3 hours, adding water as needed. The air will be filled with a spicy scent.

Pining For You
If you have a balsam tree gather the fallen needles. They will keep their scent from year to year and act as a room freshener. Fill a basket to have on a table.

In The Mood
Select just the right music before the bewitching hour for whatever mood you'd like to create.

Soul Setting
Think about all your favorite foods and where you'd like to eat. Set the table with a special flair. Fill a basket with freshly cut greens. Use a lacy tablecloth and napkins and your best silver, china and glasses.

Copyright Leslie Linsley, author
Reprinted with permission, HouseNet, Inc.

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