Punchbowl Blog

This post was written by Ariel Faulkner, Content Manager

This month, families all across the country will make resolutions, clean out the closets, and get a fresh start on life. January is our opportunity to step back and prepare for the year ahead, and that includes getting ready for all the special occasions we’ll celebrate along the way.

Here are a few tips and ideas to help you get organized for a year full of special moments and priceless memories:

• Wrap Up December: It’s time to bid the holiday season a final farewell! If you haven’t done so already, send free thank you notes to everyone who gave you gifts over the past few weeks. Friends and relatives will be missing you, so this is also a good time to organize all your photos from the holidays and share them online. Finish making any returns and gather all your gift cards in one place so you don’t lose them.

• Mark Your Milestones: Keeping track of birthdays and anniversaries for all the important people in your life can be a challenge, especially during busy times of the year. Use our free email Reminders service to build your list and we’ll make sure you never miss another special occasion!

• Plan Your Next Celebration: Spending time with your loved ones is one of the best ways to start off the new year, so don’t let too much time go by before your next get-together. Plan an event for the Chinese New Year (January 23), Valentine’s Day or Anti-Valentine’s Day (February 14), Mardi Gras (February 21), Leap Day (February 29), or St. Patrick’s Day (March 17). There are also plenty of reasons to host a watch-party in the weeks ahead: The Miss America Pageant (January 14), Super Bowl (February 5), Grammy Awards (February 12), and the Oscars (February 26).

• Give Your Party Space a Makeover: Nothing says Happy New Year like a before and after photo! Repaint, redesign, or rearrange the room in your house where everyone hangs out at a party. Here are a few tips about how to feng shui your party space. Having a whole new look will inspire your creativity when it’s time to decorate for your next event.

• Try a New Recipe: You’ve sampled dozens of new dishes over the past few weeks. Email your friends and request your favorite recipe from their party, or track down something you’ve never tried like these winter stew recipes. This is a great time to test drive something new. You never know; it could become the centerpiece of a party menu!

How will you celebrate in 2012? Tell us about your plans on our Facebook page!

This post was written by Stephanie Fader, Sr. Marketing Manager

Now that Christmas is over and Hanukkah is winding down, many people will turn their attention to New Year’s. If you’re like most people, you may still be trying to figure out how to put the finishing touches on plans to ring in 2012.

Whether you plan to host an impromptu gathering or head out for a night on the town, here are a few ways to celebrate New Year’s:

1. Host a casual New Year’s celebration. There are several benefits to hosting a New Year’s party at your home. First, you don’t have to worry about driving anywhere. Second, you have complete control over the guest list, food, and activities so you can ring in 2012 with all of your favorite people, snacks, and entertainment. Lastly, your friends will be so grateful that someone is hosting a party and solving their “what to do for New Year’s” dilemma! Start planning your celebration now.
   
2. Attend a First Night event. Many cities host New Year’s festivities on New Year’s Eve that include music, fireworks, food vendors, ice sculptures, entertainment and more. Boston was the first city to host a First Night celebration, however now First Nights occur in 26 states! Find First Night festivities in your area!
3. Make a delicious New Year’s dish. Whether you’re hosting a New Year’s celebration, attending a party, or joining friends for New Year’s day festivities, bring a dish that your friends will love. From delicious finger foods and bite-size appetizers to New Year’s desserts and recipes that bring good fortune, you’ll find something special to make for your event. Browse New Year’s dishes now.
   
4. Watch some fireworks. New Year’s is one of the most popular occasions for fireworks. There will be fireworks displays all over the word on December 31 starting in New Zealand and working their way through each time zone as the clocks strike midnight. Visit your local news website to find fireworks shows in your area.
5. Send New Year’s greetings. Regardless of what you plan to do to ring in 2012, it is unlikely that you’ll get to hug and kiss everyone that you care about when the clock strikes midnight. Make sure to wish friends and family a happy New Year with a free digital New Year’s card. Browse our selection of beautiful cards today and schedule your card to send on January 1st!

How do you plan to spend New Year’s? Share your plans with us on our Facebook page!