Decorating for a New Year’s Eve party is child’s play when it involves cutting out these designs.
1. Start with a square of paper—wrapping paper, butcher paper, or text-weight paper (in different sizes for variety).
2. Fold paper in half diagonally to make a triangle, then fold triangle in half so pointed ends meet. Fold triangle in thirds, overlapping the left corner over the triangle; overlap the right-hand pointed corner over the triangle. Trim the pointed ends so base is straight.
3. Cut your folded paper with variations of cutouts; straight cuts are easier than curved. Unfold it gently. Don’t worry if your snowflakes aren’t exact: In nature, no two are ever alike.
GENTLE REMINDERS
Update your mailing list and begin writing holiday greeting cards early in the month—you should aim to mail them (as well as any gifts you’re shipping) by the second week, to ensure on-time delivery.
Stock up on batteries in various sizes—especially if you have kids in the house, as their gifts often require them—and store them in a cool, dry place. Keep a small screwdriver on hand, too. And always include the necessary batteries with any gifts you give.
When you’re entertaining, spills are inevitable—a little wine here, some melted candle wax there—so try to relax about them. Just keep stain fighters on hand, so you can tackle the spots after your guests go home.
Don’t put the outdoor broom (or metal rake) away for the season. It’s more useful than a shovel for removing snow from bushes, shrubs, and small trees.
