Chic at 60ish!

Though I love holidays, parties, and getting dressed up, I admit, I’m often apprehensive about New Year’s Eve. Everyone tries so hard to have a good time, then honestly spends half the evening looking at their watches, waiting for the ball to drop. And I hate that “Old Lang Syne” song, it makes me want to cry.

That said, as soon as someone hands me that first glass of champagne, I’m in the spirit to party! I am fortunate to spend New Year’s with wonderful friends, rotating houses each year so no one needs to drive far—and of course once it’s decided who will host, I begin to think of what I’ll wear and, even more fun, how I’ll do my table if hosting.

LOOK LIKE A GLASS OF CHAMPAGNE: Carmel cashmere cold-shoulder sweater & wide-leg charmeuse pants from reemacra.com

What to wear? I have used this phrase before, but New Year’s is truly the night to look like a glass of champagne. Something sparkly. Something sequin. Something with a little glitz. You want to shimmer. This is the night for black & white, silver & gold.

GLITTER & GLAM: Exactly how you want to look–Amal Clooney in diamond chandelier earrings & a white sequin Versace dress; below, Ganni beaded gown at neimanmarcus.com

Jazz it up a bit, have some attitude. Big jewelry, real or faux. Heels with rhinestones, feathers, or studs. Dangly earrings. Lots of bracelets. Big rings. Here is your chance to go over-the-top. Be fabulous!

SETTING THE TABLE TO TOAST: My New Year’s table sets the mood–here’s to a fabulous 2024!

And then there’s my table. My theme is black, gold, and silver, with a pop of pink & red. Black floral tablecloth, gold lay plates, black Lalique dishes (inherited from my mom!) and bountiful gold & silver confetti draped through my chandelier and sprinkled on the table. For centerpieces, I’m using gold top hats & crystal champagne flutes filled with flowers, marching down the center of my table. Tiaras & top hats–both look great on both women & men!!

PARTY PERFECTION: Always perfect–Kate, duchess of Wales at the James Bond premiere–a bit dressy, but the perfect look for New Year’s Eve—talk about looking like a glass of champagne!

Don’t you love the sound of a popping cork?  For me, midnight must include pink champagne in beautiful flutes & toasts and kisses all around. One year, my daughter made us a terrific dance mix to play through the TV (no idea how to do that but it’s very cool). In the old days, after the ball dropped, we used to roll up the rug, dance & work off dessert till 2 am. Not sure if we’re all still dancing at 60ish–too many new hips & knees ;)–but all in all, looking forward to a very fun night, despite that creepy “Auld Lang Syne” song!

HAPPY NEW YEAR! I love the sound of a popping cork, followed by a delish glass of champagne

Besides the glam, New Year’s is surely a time for taking stock, looking forward & looking back. Urged by family & friends to go back to writing my blog after several years off, I created “CHIC @60ISH!” with huge hesitation—only to find I’m having a ball writing every week.

THANK YOU FROM MY HEART TO YOURS: My gratitude for your warm “welcome back” to my blog!

I would surely be remiss if I did not thank you—my readers—for your overwhelming support, kind words & compliments. It is my pleasure to please you, bringing you the latest in fashion, style, entertaining & new trends every week.

On that note, I wish each & every one of my readers a Happy, Healthy, Wonderful & Chic New Year—I’m taking off the month of January & will be back in February for “New Year, New You”—Let’s raise a glamorous champagne toast to all the best for all of us in 2024! Ellyn Golder Saft

ps. If you have some down time this week & are looking for an activity, do not miss “The Boys in the Boat,” a feel-good true story based on the 1936 Olympic crew team. This movie is exactly what we need at this moment in the world! An added fashionista bonus–the men’s suits & Olympic uniforms are right out of a Ralph Lauren ad!