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So I know I talked about NYE dress options on Wednesday…12 dresses to be exact, all decked out in sequins and silk and sparkle. But the truth is that I’m spending a cozy night in with nine of my closest friends this year.
I couldn’t be more excited to trade the expensive party ticket for a tasty homecooked dinner (prime rib to be exact) and drinks that we won’t have to stand in line to enjoy. Do you have a New Years Eve chill night on the books, too? If so, check out the six details I’ve marked as must-have for the night in. Cheers, Kat
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The beauty of a NYE spent at home is ultimate comfort, is it not?! These pajamas are perhaps the softest things I own; I’ll be snuggled up in these this year.
Plan for a night of entertainment (preceding and following the Ball Drop of course) with an Amazon Fire Stick. This one includes Alexa Voice Remote (so cool) and lets you access Netflix, Hulu, HBO NOW, YouTube, Amazon Video, NBC, WatchESPN, Disney, and more.
Even with a big celebratory dinner in your belly, you’ll want some snacks to nosh on throughout the night! Whether that’s homemade holiday chex mix, french onion dip with kettle chips or just some great popcorn, prepare to push new year’s resolutions off one more day.
We’ve been on the essential oils train (hello, The Well Code), and this bestselling oil blend in particular will be in our diffuser on NYE. With a comforting, fresh aroma, Peace & Calming oil creates a truly relaxing environment.
Don’t have P&C at home, talk to us to change that (ha!), but try diffusing Lavender; it’s another soothing favorite!
I’ve always revered the idea of an amazing palette: tons of pillows, blankets galore (this one is to-die-for) and anything and everything you need…to just stay put. Maybe it goes back to my days of blanket forts in the living room when I was little, but this is a must for a cozy NYE at home!
Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha
There’s something special about a fancy dinner at your favorite steakhouse for New Year’s Eve. But there’s also something perhaps even more special about enjoying a gourmet meal fixed in the comfort of your own home. I know, I know, I’ve been pushing the homebody card quite a lot lately, but I sure love a cozy night in this time of year…and that doesn’t change on NYE.
My husband and I have spent NYE at home the past couple of years; in fact, it’s become our tradition. We avoid the overpriced cover charges and event tickets, the impossible restaurant reservations and fixed menus, and instead we prepare a fancy, decadent dinner at home just like we like it. It’s the perfect excuse to bring out the festive dinnerware, too.
We’re in for a treat this year with our NYE dinner: bone-in ribeye cast iron skillet seared and cooked to perfection with homemade herb butter, fried brussels sprouts and caramelized onions. The brussels sprouts are perhaps the easiest side I’ve ever done; I threw them in a hot dutch oven with frying oil (I used vegetable oil, but you could use grapeseed too), I let them get that crispy charring with soft inside. Seriously SO simple…check out the recipe below.
For this meal, I’ll serve the Mr. his favorite beer. But because you’ll ask about wine pairings (and I love to talk wine, let’s be honest), here’s what I’d go with: a buttery chardonnay for a white wine, and a spicy malbec for a red. Because this is a pretty rich dinner (read: butter, butter, butter) I would stay away from a heavy, cabernet sauvignon or a fruit-forward acidic sauvignon blanc. Enjoy, friends and happy happy 2017! Truly, MKR
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Bone-In Ribeye with Caramelized Onions & Fried Brussels Sprouts
5 tablespoons herb butter to cook, additional to garnish (recipe below)
Olive or vegetable oil
For the caramelized onions
5-6 Large yellow or white onions, sliced
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
pinch of Salt
For the homemade herb butter
4 sticks unsalted butter, brought to room temperature
4 tablespoons thyme, finely chopped
2-3 sprigs rosemary, finely chopped
For the brussels sprouts
2-4 cups vegetable oil (or frying oil of your choice)
1 large bag brussels sprouts
juice of 1 lemon
table salt and pepper to taste
For the caramelized onions
Melt your butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
Add the sliced onions to the pan and stir them gently to coat with butter. After 10 minutes add sugar, a pinch of salt and water, stir.
Check the onions every 5-10 minutes. Stir them and and scrape up any fond that forms on the bottom of the skillet. Around 30 minutes, they start to get golden, and around 50 minutes they will be the most caramelized. You can continue to add a bit of water if the onions are becoming dry.
For the steak
Preheat the oven to 500 degrees and place your cast iron skillet inside the oven. Bring your steak to room temperature.
Season both sides of the steaks with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Once heated, remove the skillet and cook your steaks in the skillet on the stovetop for 2 minutes each side on medium heat. While the steak is cooking add the full heads of garlic, thyme and rosemary in the skillet along with the herb butter. Lightly press down on the heads of garlic to release their aromatics.
Return the skillet to the oven and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until reached desired temperature. Ribeye is best rare or medium rare and remember while the steak is tented and rested it will continue to cook approximately 5 degrees.
Remove steaks from the oven and tent with aluminum foil, let it sit for 10 minutes after.
For the brussels sprouts
Heat your cooking oil to high heat/frying point in a dutch oven or thick cast iron skillet (there has to be enough oil to cover the brussels sprouts).
When the oil looks shiny and you hear the oil start to crackle and bubble, it's ready to fry. Drop your brussels sprouts in carefully.
Stir occasionally and once they start to turn a brown color on the outside, use a skimmer or giant spatula to retrieve them from the pan.
Place them on paper towels in a big dish to the side.
Sprinkle salt and pepper and a little bit of lemon juice, to taste.
For the herb butter
Let your butter become room temperature.
In a giant bowl, add the finely chopped thyme and rosemary to the butter.
Combine with your fingers and ball it together.
Use a piece of parchment paper and take the ball and roll it out the long way, like a paper towel cylinder then wrap with parchment paper and place it in the fridge overnight to harden.
When ready to serve, cut into medallions.
By Mandy Kellogg Rye @ Waiting on Martha
Welcome by Waiting on Martha https://waitingonmartha.com/
If your NYE plans involve a toast-worthy party, a winter wedding or a fantastic dinner at your favorite steakhouse, you’ll want a NYE dress to impress, right?! I’ve spent a handful of years with tickets to festive parties downtown on the big night, and I’ve always waited until the last minute to figure out what on earth I was going to wear.
So if you’re like me, today’s post is for you. I rounded up a nice little range of glamorous, gorgeous and figure-flattering NYE dress options you’re going to want to check out. I typically gravitate to the long-sleeved dresses (can we talk about this one?!) this time of year (unless I’m diligent with applying my nontoxic sunless lotion…a product I could write a whole post about because it’s THAT good). But this year, I want to include a few strappy numbers (like this one) to consider as well. I’m also intrigued with the idea of wearing a jumpsuit to be a little different in a sea of sequins (this one is stunning). Tell me, what look are you going for on NYE?! Cheers, Kat
Usher in the new year in this gorgeous dress with eye-catching neutral sequins. The fit-and-flare cut with plunging neckline is ultra flattering, ensuring that you’re ready to move on the dance floor.
Turn heads in this stunning body-con dress. The ombré faded sequins creates just the unique statement to stand out from the rest. And with 3/4 length sleeves, you know you’ll feel flawless in your winter skin.
Sure, this tailored trouser jumpsuit is no dress. But we’d say it’s the perfect update the usual NYE dress scene. With a sweetheart neck bodice with interior boning, you’ll be comfortable and confident all night long.
Per Self Portrait’s standard, this dress simply has the loveliest details. It’s an intricate, feminine piece cut from the signature geometric guipure lace with a contrasting circle pattern at the décolletage, arms and waist. And to top it off, the playful fluted hem creates the statement we’re going for this NYE.
Another alternative option for a NYE dress, this illusion neck romper shows off your gams with a lacy effect. The embroidered appliqué over mesh netting makes it look comparable to dresses and jumpsuits triple the price, too.
I’m such a fan of this understated, yet updated LBD. The dress creates that liquid, effortless drape in its lustrous black satin cut on a bias. I’d wear this with a pair of statement earrings and heels for a cool, nonchalant feel among the sea of sequins on NYE.
lustrous hammered-charmeuse, this fluid dress has thin spaghetti straps and a draped neckline that elegantly frames your décolletage. Wear it with heels in the evening or layered over a turtleneck sweater at the office.
You’ll be channeling your inner Great Gatsby in this gorgeous, glamorous dress. Cut from shimmering gunmetal stretch-lamé, it has a liquid-like drape and long ties that wrap and define the waist.
Here’s a great option for a timeless sequin bateau neck dress for NYE. The long sleeves and plunging back give it just the right amount of intrigue; you’ll feel like a million bucks in this one.
Okay, another non-dress option, but this one is too good not to include. With a sweeping off-the-shoulder neckline, flattering seams and wide-leg trousers, this white jumpsuit will truly make you the belle of the ball.
DVF knows how to do it, and she proves it once again with this crackled golden sheath dress. It’s perfectly tailored for a clean, timeless look that will never, ever go out of style during the holidays.
Bare a little skin in this shimmery and slinky slipdress. The dress’ plissé pleats and strappy neck and back details are not for the faint of heart this time of year, but will pay off ten-fold with a great spray tan and glass in-hand.
Featured image, Rustic White for Waiting on Martha | See the full editorial shoot HERE | Dress is “Jacosta” by Jenny Packham
