I love the start of new things and a new year is no exception.  The new year always holds great promise and I look forward to fresh beginnings.  As this year comes to an end, I found some fun and entertaining links for this week’s OMG Worthy Reads.

New Year’s Eve Tablescape

Rue Magazine has a wonderful spread of a new year’s tablescape in the snow.  Beautiful photography!  If you are hosting a new year’s eve or winter themed party, these pictures will offer you great inspiration.

Downton Abbey, Season 5

For you Downton Abbey fans, this coming Sunday is the start of the final season.  I have loved each season and will be disappointed that this is coming to an end.  The show has been so well written, the actors were superb and it has been so enjoyable.

George Clooney will make an entrance on the show this week.  To see some previews and behind the scenes, check out this link on PBS.  Kudos PBS for such a great series.

If you would like to see the actresses of Downton Abbey off the show, see my previous post The Women of Downton Abbey in Real Life.

7 Things Americans Can Learn from Italians

I came across this article in the Huffington Post Travel, 7 Things Americans Can Learn from Italians.  I loved all seven tips!  Although I love being American, I have to say that the Europeans are much better at relaxing and savoring life.  I hope that in 2015 we can adapt more to some of their ways and this article is a great start.

I remember after returning from Europe once, we went to a very upscale restaurant here in Columbus to celebrate my husband’s birthday with some friends.  I was appalled when the waiter brought our salads soon after our appetizers.  The main dinner was rushed out as well.  We kept telling the waiter that we would like to relax with our friends and not be rushed.  They were more concerned with turning the tables over than satisfying their customers.  It was so much more apparent to us after returning from Europe and getting a taste of their culture that we Americans rush through life too much.

24 of Europe’s Most Beautiful Villages

While on the subject of Europe, I enjoyed seeing Travel & Leisure’s article Europe’s Most Beautiful Villages.  These scenic pictures will make you appreciate the idea of taking it slow.  Have you been to any of these towns?

Celebrity House Tour

Did you know that George and Amal Clooney now have their own Downton Abbey estate?  They recently purchased a nine bedroom manor on the River Thames.  You can tour their new home through the photos from the Daily News.    I love the marble in the bathroom but didn’t care for the decorating.   How about you?

New Year’s Day Pork & Sauerkraut for Good Luck

I have always heard that you should have pork and sauerkraut and a side of black-eyed peas on New Year’s Day for good luck.  I usually prepare a pork roast with sauerkraut in the crockpot on new year’s day and also have a Texas caviar type salad with black eyed peas.  Old wives tale or not, I can always use a dose of good luck.

I enjoyed the story behind this annual ritual from Casey’s Good Food Stories and thought you would too.  Do you eat pork and sauerkraut on New Year’s?  How about black-eyed peas?  Any other ritual?  Please share in the comments below.

Save Your Christmas Cards

As you are putting away Christmas decorations, don’t throw out the Christmas cards you received.  In Wednesday’s post, I will show you some clever ways how you can reuse them next year.

Have a great week.  Safe travels to those of you on the road!