When I was a kid, my mother and I used to ring in the New Year by running outside and banging pots and pans together in the street. It sounds strange, but I guess it was my mom's idea of a wacky way to celebrate the midnight hour.
However, when I demonstrated this tradition to my own kids a few New Year's Eves ago, they freaked out on me. I'll never forget the look of sheer terror on their faces as I stood in the middle of our street clanging together two large saucepans and chiming, "Come outside with Mommy, kids, this is fun!" They tearfully screamed back from the doorway, "Mommy! Why are you doing that? Please come back in the house!"
OK, these days, the cookware is only used at mealtime and the kids have recovered nicely. But I still enjoy doing something fun (and normal) on New Year's Eve. I've toned the partying down to making crafts with the kids and throwing confetti at midnight.
This year our New Year's will revolve on menudo, tamales, tortillas and animated storytelling by my animated dad. Everything from the food to the fables is rich with color and culture. So I thought this year I would decorate to follow suit.
When I first saw this floating candle idea in a book, it was used with elegant champagne glasses and gold glitter. I can't think of the last time my family used champagne glasses at a gathering, so I adapted it with something more fitting: margarita glasses.
Not only will they add a fun accent to the dinner table, but once the partying is over with, these candle-lighted creations are casual enough to keep out year-round.
But by all means, if the champagne design is more your style, more power to you.

What you need:
* 2 margarita glasses you won't ever use again
* 2 red or green floating candles (I like the stars and heart shapes)
* Multicolored star glitter
* Colored glitter
* White glue
* Spray sealant
* Food coloring (optional)
How to make it: Using your fingertip, apply a thin layer of white glue to the rim of the glass, then sprinkle enough of the colored glitter to cover. Let dry, and then lightly spray with sealant so glitter won't flake off.
Carefully add water (and food coloring, if desired) and top off with dashes of multicolored star glitter.
Place floating candle in center and light. It's guaranteed to be the brightest idea of the night!
* For more artsy goodness, check out CraftyChica.com *

Labels: lights, outdoor