Fast and easy New Years’ Eve menu ideas

Throwing a New Years’ Eve party is not just an event, it’s a responsibility; after all it’s the last big bash before the New Year! If you’re stressing about New Years’ Eve menu ideas, don’t – we offer some basic tips on how to keep your guests full and happy without having to spend the last day of the year in the kitchen.

As informal as your party is going to be, you still want to get an idea of how many people are attending, this will help you make your final decisions on your New Years’ Eve menu ideas. A few guests means you won’t need to make a hundred of each appetizer, whereas a hundred people means you better send for help otherwise you’ll be making finger food long after the Times Square ball drops.

Once you get an idea of how many people are attending you can make a budget for how much you want to spend on the food. Don’t panic about how much it’s going to cost if you are having a lot of people over, it just means you have to simplify and be a smart shopper. Do the math to find out if it’s cheaper to buy store-bought appetizers or make them from scratch. From here you can start picking and choosing from your list of New Years’ Eve menu ideas.

Don’t feel like you have to go all Martha Stewart on your guests to have a great party. Make it easy on yourself – after all, people aren’t expecting a gourmet dinner, they just want something tasty to snack on while watching TV, listening to music, drinking and chatting. Your efforts to prepare and serve something fancy like Gruyere-stuffed celery with caviar sauce can be time and money better served elsewhere.

Just because you’re having a lot of people over doesn’t mean you have to skimp on the details. Use the basic foods everyone loves and give them a twist. Below are some examples of New Years’ Eve menu ideas – note that everything is something familiar, just presented or prepared a little special. Feel free to borrow, adapt, or add as desired.

Entrees

Appetizers

Desserts

Drinks

Champagne is a must, but don’t forget something non-alcoholic for the designated drivers. If you’re having a lot of guests and champagne is out of your budget you can also try a festive punch. Don’t forget to dress up your glasses with streamers or curly ribbons.

The most important thing to remember is to let yourself have a good time at your own party. Not just for celebrating the end of the year, but also for a job well done coming up with some fabulous New Years’ Eve menu ideas.