Here at Patch, we're counting down the last few days and hours of 2012.
As this year draws to a close, whether you're hosting or heading to a special New Year's celebration, Patch has some fun and easy ideas to send out 2012 and ring in 2013 in memorable fashion.
2012 recap for kids - Use this free printable to mark the occasion with little ones. Record their stats, thoughts and favorites, and paste a photo or two. This could become an annual tradition with a whole book full of these year-end keepsake sheets.
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A dozen grapes - According to Spanish tradition, you should eat one grape for each time the clock chimes at midnight, for 12 months of good luck in the New Year. Melding that tradition with the traditional American champagne toast, skewer 12 grapes and add them to a glass of champagne or sparkling cider.
Celebrate with crackers - These fun little tubes do triple duty as decoration, entertainment and party favor. They're traditionally filled with a little treat or gift, paper crown and a joke or riddle. If you can't find any in stores, make your own with tissue paper, ribbon and paper-towel tubes.
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Easy party decor - Collect clocks from throughout the house and gather them on a table or mantel. (Make sure to synchronize the time on all the clocks!) Create a centerpiece using silver and gold ornaments in champagne flutes, or noisemakers. For '13 ice cubes, freeze water tinted with food coloring, or juice, in 1- and 3-shaped ice cube trays. For instant drama, fill the ceiling with silver and white balloons.
Free New Year's printables - Coordinate! Ring in 2013 with free matching high-resolution printable table signs, folding tented cards, water bottle labels, tags, drink flags and banners.
What are you doing New Year's, New Year's Eve? Tell us in the comments.
