Great Table Setting Ideas and Party Punch Recipes for New Year's Eve

What better way to celebrate a special occasion than with a cool refreshing party fruit punch. Not only does it taste delicious, it's nice to look at and you won't have to serve as bartender and party host.

Designate a place setting for your party punch bowl. You will need enough space for your punch bowl, napkins, cups and optional garnish items. Balloons, party favors and waterproof lights can be mingled into this area for a festive look.

Begin by placing a plastic tablecloth over the area. Plastic is recommended as it will provide a waterproof surface for easy cleanup of any spills that may occur.

You don't need an expensive crystal punch bowl to have an attractive table setting. Many party supply and craft stores carry large clear plastic punch bowels usually found in the catering isle. Place the punch bowl close enough to the center of the space to be within an arms length. This will prevent people from reaching too far for a serving.

For a less elegant look an oversized beverage cooler is a great idea to keep non alcoholic punch from being spiked with alcohol; most of these have nozzles to dispense the beverage. To create appealing aesthetics of this cooler place in the center of table and cover with a plastic tablecloth, cut a hole in the tablecloth to expose nozzle, be sure to place a waste receptacle below the nozzle to accumulate any drippings. Complete this look by decorating the tablecloth with balloons and streamers.

Place cocktail napkins sporadically around the table fanning them out for easy distribution and appeal. Place cups in the same manner, I recommend using heavy plastic on the rocks cups, these can be found in any supermarket, party supply and craft store.

Try not to put any foods that may become wet from punch while serving, this will not only stain the food, it will most certainly make it soggy and unappealing. Try keeping this space limited to sliced fruit garnishes and decorations.

You can scatter a string of waterproof electric lights on the table for a dramatic effect. Feel free to add balloons, party hats and noisemakers here as well. Everyone enjoying a refreshing beverage will play with the favors you provide so go nuts and get all kinds of fun favors. You can get all sorts of wonderful favors in your local discount, party supply and craft stores for as little as one dollar or less, so shop around for the best price.

No matter how you choose to celebrate, choose to celebrate responsibly.

Party Punch Recipes

Grape, Orange, Lemon, Ginger Party Fruit Punch

4 cups grape juice

2 cups white grape juice

2 cups orange juice

1 cup lemon juice

6 cups ginger ale

1 small bucket of ice

Optional Garnish

Sliced lemons

Sliced oranges

Grapes

If you prefer not to float any fruit you can always have a tray of sliced fruit near by as an option.

If alcohol is required you may add one of the following:

1 pint of whisky

1 pint of dark rum

1 pint of light rum

1 pint of vodka

1 pint of tequila.

Combine all in ingredients in the order given, in a large punchbowl or applicable beverage container.

If desired add optional garnish to your punch.

Mix gently and let set for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) to allow ice to regulate punch temperature. Gently mix again.

Your punch is now ready to be enjoyed by all.

Pineapple, Orange, Cranberry Party Fruit Punch

2 large cans pineapple juice

½ gallon orange juice

1 quart cranberry juice

1 small bucket of ice

Optional Garnish

Sliced pineapple

Sliced oranges

Cranberries

If you prefer not to float any fruit you can always have a tray of sliced fruit near by as an option.

If alcohol is required you may add one of the following:

1 pint of whisky

1 pint of dark rum

1 pint of light rum

1 pint of vodka

1 pint of tequila.

Combine all in ingredients in the order given, in a large punchbowl or applicable beverage container.

If desired add optional garnish to your punch.

Mix gently and let set for a few minutes (about 5 minutes) to allow ice to regulate punch temperature. Gently mix again.

Your punch is now ready to be served.

Strawberry, Orange, Pineapple, Lemon Party Fruit Punch

½ gallon strawberry orange juice

½ gallon pineapple orange juice

4 cups lemon juice

1 small bucket of ice

Optional Garnish

Sliced strawberries

Sliced oranges

Sliced pineapples

Sliced lemon

If you prefer not to float any fruit you can always have a tray of sliced fruit near by as an option.

If alcohol is required you may add one of the following:

1 pint of whisky

1 pint of dark rum

1 pint of light rum

1 pint of vodka

1 pint of tequila.

Be sure not to over saturate your party punch with alcohol, if you require a heavy bite of alcohol for your individual taste add it to your own cup not to the entire party punch. Drink responsibly, don't drink and drive.