11 New Year's Eve Tabletop Decoration Ideas

Hosting this year's big New Year's Eve party is a lot of pressure. It is, after all, the last bash of the year, the pinnacle for parties — a closing out the old and ringing in the new. Of course, there are high expectations and you want it to be unforgettable (or forgettable, depending on the kind of rager you are looking for), so the bar is set high for the new year.

Click here for 11 New Year's Eve Tabletop Decoration Ideas (Slideshow)

Throwing a New Year's Eve dinner party adds even more pressure to the mix. Not everyone is a decorating professional, or able to spend countless hours studying the DIY network or the Cooking Channel, so the stress could be a bit overwhelming. Not only does the host of a dinner party have to come up with a menu (no easy task) but they also have to decorate the table accordingly. That involves picking themes, colors, setting a mood...the list goes on.

Let's face it — the table at a New Year's Eve party is not always the focal point, especially when there's the minor distraction of alcoholic beverages, snacks, and more booze. But you can make your tabletop the center of your party. This doesn't just mean throwing on the "fancy" tablecloth, though. You can do so, so much better. There is no reason not to have eye-catching plates, flatware, and glasses when you can customize them by etching, drawing, or even painting them to suit your own style. Resurrect the lost arts of napkin folding, place cards, or even napkin holders (what are those things?) to add some punch to your New Year's Eve tabletop. Even a creative centerpiece can set the odds in your favor and distract from anything. Add a sparkle here, some tinsel there, and your tabletop is ready to rock New Year's Eve.

This article originally published on December 30, 2013.