Greet the New Year with an intimate gathering where traditions mingle with unique special touches. As you plan your party, keep in mind that the best way to create a festive atmosphere is to be at ease yourself. By preparing in advance, you’ll be relaxed and happy when it’s time for the final countdown - and your guests will be, too. With the help of consummate host - and Pottery Barn Style Expert - Nathan Turner, known for his stylish celebrity parties, we’ve gathered everything you need to host an unforgettable evening.
Designer and party stylist Nathan Turner has been featured in magazines from Domino to Elle Décor, and has appeared on television shows nationwide to share his advice on creative hosting. His Los Angeles store has become a favorite for the country’s leading interior designers, as well as stylish individuals from coast to coast.
Set a fresh, welcoming mood by clustering flowers in our clear glass Bosphorus Vases, and place them in the entryway, on the dining table and in the guest bath. Scatter votive candles to create warmth and sparkle throughout the space.
Opt for classic dinnerware and accents that draw the eye to the beauty of the food. Our Chancellor Collection is a perfect choice, with a rustic pewter finish that acts as a neutral backdrop for colorful dishes, while still adding a sense of occasion to the meal.
Make sure that you have enough champagne flutes to go around. For a chic twist on the New Year’s toast, gather a mix of classic toasts, plus some of your own original ones (see “Traditions”, below, for ideas, or ask your guests to contribute a toast when they RSVP). Type up or handwrite all the toasts on paper (for extra style credit, use an old-fashioned typewriter!) Cut the paper into long strips, one toast on each, and curl the paper around a pencil. Finally, twist the strips around the stems to decorate the champagne flutes.
Stock up on sparkling wine or champagne, and choose a bubbly cocktail or two to offer guests; Kim Haasarud’s book 101 Champagne Cocktails has many unique and classic recipes to choose from. Learn more about entertaining with sparkling wine by watching our video with Schramsberg Vineyards’ CEO, President and Winemaker, Hugh Davies.
For an unexpected treat that your guests will love, serve a gourmet chocolate course in place of a traditional dessert. Watch our video with Melinda Winter of Ghirardelli Chocolate Company for tips on serving chocolate at your party, including which kinds to serve and how to really taste chocolate.
Create a music playlist in advance, mixing holiday songs with jazz classics and other personal favorites. Or, borrow from ours!
For more tips on setting a great New Year’s Eve table, watch our video with decorator and celebrity party host Nathan Turner.
Table Linens - Create a unified setting and add rich texture to your table with linen napkins and cocktail napkins, and a coordinating tablecloth.
Bar Tools and Glassware - In addition to champagne flutes, have the proper tools on hand for a variety of mixed drinks. Our Antique Bar Collection includes a cocktail shaker, bar utensils and other essentials. Stock up on our Pinch Martini Glasses, along with double old-fashioneds and highballs, so you can confidently accommodate most any drink request.
Hors D’oeuvres Plates & Bowls - Have stacks of our Clock Plates on hand so that guests can help them- selves to appetizers, and use the coordinating dipping bowls for sauces, nuts, garnishes and sweets.
Serveware - Serve fresh oysters, shrimp and crab on crushed ice in our Oyster Resin Bowl. For an easy appetizer that always looks beautiful, arrange fruits, cheeses and crackers on our Chancellor Platter, and finish with our Sentiment Cheese Knives.
Pitchers - Serve one Great White Pitcher filled with ice water for every four dinner guests, and use another in the bar area for large batches of mixed drinks.
Tiered Dessert Stands - Stack a multitude of small sweets in a minimum of table space with our 3-Tiered Hammer Stand.
Ice Bucket - Use our Antique Ice Bucket to chill white wine and champagne at the table, and keep an extra bucket of ice on hand for mixed drinks.