6 DIY Ways to Ring in the New Year [LIST]

New Year’s a time of celebration, filled with parties, family gatherings and counting down the seconds before the clock strikes midnight. Put your own personal signature on the close of 2013 with four DIY ideas to make this New Year’s the best ever.

1. BON APPETIT– GET CREATIVE IN THE KITCHEN
Tasty finger food is all the rage for New Year’s, and regardless of whether you are entertaining for twenty or two, it’s more fun to eat that way! A simple way to upgrade any salad into a beautiful appetizer is by putting it on skewers. The elegant presentation can be used for most fruits, vegetables and even cheese. Here is a recipe for caprese salad skewers that looks colorful and scrumptious.

(Ezume Images / Shutterstock.com)

2. ALL THAT GLITTERS – DESIGN SOME PARTY BLING
On New Year’s, folks don festive hats and ring in the year with loud noisemakers. Roll up your sleeves and let your creative juices flow by fashioning and designing your very own hats, noisemakers and confetti poppers in honor of 2014.

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3. CHEERS – MAKE YOUR OWN MOCKTAIL
While champagne is the beverage of choice for a typical New Year’s celebration, there are lots of other bubbly options that do not contain alcohol. Some preferred mocktails that everyone can enjoy include: a classic Shirley Temple, pina colada and bubbly ginger fizz.

(Irina Rostokina / Shutterstock.com)

4. PARTY LIKE IT’S 1999 – CREATE YOUR OWN MUSIC MIX
Every good party needs some fun jams. Make a playlist of the best songs of 2013 or create a unique mix that is specific to your friends or guests. If you need some inspiration, check out the free website 8tracks. Users create and upload their favorite mixes and anyone can listen to cool music by choosing tunes from categories that match a mood, artist or musical style.

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5. BE CRAFTY AND GENEROUS – HOMEMADE GIFTS TO FRIENDS AND FAMILY
Create a wonderful memento of 2013 with a thoughtful and handmade gift. A great way to remember the happy moments of the past year is to design a picture frame and place a lovely photo inside. Eighteen25 offers a picture frame made from popsicle sticks and washi tape – great activity for the kids!

(Chubbster / Shutterstock.com)

6. THE MAIN EVENT – BE SOCIAL AND GO OFFLINE
The point of New Year’s is to spend it around people you love and care about. Make an effort to be fully present by putting down your electronic devices and entering a digital detox zone, in which you connect with those around you.  The easiest DIY is to be attentive, engaging and most importantly – have a great time!

(bbernard / Shutterstock.com)

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