There are all sorts of traditions for New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day.  One I have done for many years, and few others seem to know about, is hiding money outside.  I have no idea where it came from.  My mother did it so I do too.  It involves hiding some money outside on New Year’s Eve, then bringing the money into the house on New Year’s Day.

I don’t think it matters how much money is outside, just whatever you think best.

When you wake up on New Year’s Day, bring the money inside, and bring good fortune with it.

Of course, we have to have Black Eyed Peas on New Year’s Day.  I usually make a version of Hoppin’ John, a dish of black eyed peas and rice.  The rice is for prosperity and the peas are supposed to bring good luck.  Since I usually cook with a bit of this and that, I’ll post the recipe I use tomorrow.  Right now I can tell you what it has in it, but not the quantity of each ingredient.  I’ll make it tomorrow and measure as I go.  It is a bit different, as it is more like baked beans, much more flavorful than the usual peas on rice.  Maybe I’ll call it Jumpin’ John since I have kicked it up a notch! If you use dried peas, put them on to soak tonight.  I’ll use canned peas to make it fast.

We are having a few friends over for New Year’s Eve. The savories will be served buffet style, so the tablescape set for grazing. The color scheme this year is black, white and gold.  I got out the black glass octagon plates, and set them with gold and white linens.  The chargers tell my guests where to place their nibbles, as everyone is bringing a dish. I ran up a quick black and gold table topper on my serger to complete the setting.

We will be sampling three champagnes to see if there is really a difference.  I decided to run up a few wine bags this afternoon to hide the labels, and match the table topper.  They go really fast.  Start by measuring your bottle around the largest part of the width and the height.  Divide the width by 2.  I made mine 6 inches wide x 20 inches tall.  The finished size is 10 inches tall by about 11-1/2 inches around.

Fold in half to create the bag, and serge both sides.

Switch to a rolled edge and finish the top.

Tie with a ribbon around the neck of the bottle.  I put wine bottles in them to show you the finished project.  They will hold champagne tonight.

Don’t you love this white reindeer? It was a gift last year from a friend. It stays out after all the Christmas decorations are put away because I like to decorate with white for January. I filled the planter with golden glittery apples. On either side are black candles with a gold accent. The gorgeous white roses were an anniversary gift from my dear, sweet husband. These are my favorite flowers.

On the quilting front, Santa (aka DH) brought me the Electric Quilt 7 software, so I’ll be doing more original designs this coming year.  I already have two in the works so stay tuned!

Have a wonderful New Year!  Do you have any special traditions?  Don’t forget to hide your money outside before you leave for the evening.  Have a special reward for the designated driver, and stay safe!!