HAPPY NEW YEAR

First time the ball dropped - Times Square, New York - 1907

"The Last Day of Disco" - New Year's Eve at Studio 54 - 1978

It's time to celebrate - New Year's Eve - 2011

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

{images via Vintage Culture, This is Happiness, Habitually Chic}

CHOCOLATE DIPPED SHORTBREAD COOKIES

Nothing says winter like homemade shortbread cookies. Originally from Scotland, this cookie was traditionally served on Christmas, Hogmanay (Scottish New Year's Eve), and at weddings. It dates back to the 12th century, but was refined to the cookie we love today by Mary, Queen of Scots in the 16th century. There are many variations of shortbread, but my personal favorite is vanilla shortbread that's been chocolate dipped. Below is my adaptation of the Joy for Baking recipe. Enjoy! 

Chocolate Dipped Shortbread Cookies
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 cup (2 sticks) salted butter
1/2 cup powdered sugar (caster sugar will suffice as well)
1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
8 oz dark chocolate

Serving: 20 cookies  |  Preheat oven to 350ºF

1. In an electric mixer, beat the room temperature butter until creamy and smooth (1 minute).
2. Add in the sugar. Beat until smooth (2 minutes).
3. Beat in the vanilla extract.
4. Gently stir in the flour by hand until just incorporated.
5. Flatten dough and cover with plastic wrap. Chill until firm (30 minutes to 1 hour).
6. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper.
7. Once chilled, rework dough slightly on counter if necessary. On a lightly floured surface, roll out dough into a circle 1/4 inch thickness.
8. Cut out rounds with a lightly floured cookie cutter and place on prepped baking sheets.
9. Place in the refrigerator to help the cookies maintain their shape when baking (5-10 minutes).
10. Bake 8-11 minutes until very light golden color.
11. Cool on a paper towel lined wire rack.
12. Break chocolate into pieces, place into a heatproof bowl, and place it over a saucepan of simmering water (do not use a bowel where the bottom of the bowel touches the bottom of the saucepan. This could lead to burnt chocolate).
13. Once chocolate is melted and become smooth and glossy, remove from heat.
14. Dip cooled cookies into the melted chocolate, and place on parchment lined cookie sheets.
15. Let cool. If necessary, place in the refrigerator for chocolate to harden (5-10 minutes).
16. Enjoy!

Note: It is best to use the highest quality butter and vanilla when making shortbread as their flavor really comes through.  Shortbread can be stored in an airtight container for up to one week.

{image by Julia Ferguson of Room for Dessert}

A VINTAGE NEW YEAR'S EVE

I have been playing Cole Porter's greatest hits on repeat all week, which has inspired this vintage New Year's Eve roundup. Listening to his lyrics conjures up images of a time where people were elegantly dressed, and glamour was highly regarded. Here's to taking it back to the elegance of the 1930's... 

1. Dress, 2. Bracelet, 3. Earrings, 4. Clutch, 5. Ring, 6. Bar Cart, 7. St-Germain, 8. Vince Top

ELDERFLOWER CHAMPAGNE COCKTAIL

Nothing says "celebrate" like champagne. This year, why not change it up by serving Elderflower Champagne Cocktails.?Transport your guests to the Alpen French countryside thorough the handpicked wild elderflower's fresh floral aroma. And the best part, it's so easy to make.

Elderflower Champagne Cocktail

Brut Champagne or Dry Sparkling Wine

St-Germain

Ice

1. Fill a tumbler with glass

2. Add champagne

3. Top off with St-Germain

4. Top off with a cucumber slice, strawberry, mint or even a lemon twist.

5. Enjoy!

For more fun St-Germain recipes, click here.

{image via Zested}

TABLE STYLE: NEW YEAR'S EVE

I can't think of a better way to ring in the new year than a dinner party surrounded by close friends. Here are some table style and entertaining ideas to kick your party off right. 

{images via Coco and Kelley, Style Me Pretty, Everything Fabulous, Martha Stewart, All You Need Is Love, Coco + Kelley}

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

{image via Kikki K}

NICE PACKAGE

Now that you've finally finished your holiday shopping, I thought I'd send some inspiration your way as you approach the daunting task of wrapping all of your gifts. I've always believed that presentation is key so here are some fun ways to pretty-up those packages.

{images via Martha Stewart, Martha Stewart Weddings, Design Decor Staging, Nice Package, You Are My Fave, Black Eiffel}

BOUGHS, UP CLOSE

Finding the perfect Christmas tree can be tough. You'll want to check out this glossary from Martha Stewart to help you navigate the different colors and textures to find the prettiest one that can handle all of those weighty ornaments.

Balsam Fir  |  Leyland Cypress  |  'Carolina Sapphire' Cypress  |  Fraser Fir  |  Nordmann Fir |  White Pine  |  Noble Fir  |  Douglass Fir  |  'Blue Ice' Cypress  |  Concolor Fir

{image via Martha Stewart}

ROOM FOR DESSERT IS BACK

Hi friends! I hope 2011 has been fabulous. I'm sorry for the radio silence these past few months. As my New Year's resolution, I promise the be back and better than ever in 2012. Here's to another wonderful year, and thanks for following Room for Dessert. Happy Holidays!

{image by TH and Betty via Pandora}