Happy New Year!

Happy 2017! I know many of you are happy to have 2016 in the rear view mirror. While there were events in 2016 I could have done without (and that's putting it mildly), it wasn't a bad year for me personally. We took many trips on behalf of the show, signed with a multi-channel network and had some amazing experiences. However, I'm ready for a clean slate! I'm not one for resolutions per se, but I do like to set goals at the beginning of the year. One of mine is incredibly ambitious, which is to get our YouTube channel to 10,000 subscribers this year, without paying for them. If you're reading this, could you please do us a personal favor and subscribe to our channel if you haven't already? And please ask your booze-loving friends - word of mouth is everything with a show like this. You have no idea how much we appreciate it. In fact, to let you know how much we DO appreciate it, feel free to let us know that you subscribed and we'll create a cocktail for you! If many of you do this (which I hope you will), it may take a few weeks, but we'll make sure everyone is served a lovely libation of their choice! Thank you!! Here's the link to our channel - look for the red "subscribe" button: Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en on YouTube

In other news, 45 of our 47 Christmas trees have been put away for the next 10 1/2 months or so, but the Elvis tree will stay up through his January 8 birthday and our "classic TV" tree has been converted into a Valentine's Day tree through February 14. We need something to brighten these gray January days!

Happy 2017!

Last Minute New Year's Eve Ideas

Has New Year's Eve snuck up on you? Are you wishing you'd planned something festive, but worry that it's too late now? It's not! Here are some fun ideas from the Better Homes & Gardens Holiday Cook Book (1959), along with our even easier suggestions below!

If you like the idea of cider or spiced tea, but not the thought of studding orange or lemon slices with cloves, throw the cider or tea, cinnamon sticks, cloves and orange or lemon slices in a crock pot on low and serve when it starts to simmer. Have amber or dark rum or bourbon available for those who like their libations a little lovelier! And that clock centerpiece? Take items from around the house to create your "hours!" Use your imagination and have fun! Happy New Year!

Have An Outer Space New Year!

Today's new episode of the "Velveteen Lounge Kitsch-en" is chock full of ideas for ringing in the new year in the comfort and privacy of your own home, with no loss of glamour or excitement (click here to watch). However, that's just the tip of the iceberg! There are as many ideas for New Year's Eve celebrations as there are revelers, including this outer space themed party from How To Have A Ball On A Baby Sitter's Budget (1959, one of my new favorite cookbooklets) brought to you by the Pillsbury Junior Home Service Center. Let these ideas help you to soar into the '60s (or 2016). Start by adding a little whiskey to that ginger ale and adapt these ideas for your celebration. Those Mighty Molivecules sound pretty good (add a little cayenne pepper for an extra kick)!