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    Recipes » Appetizers

    New Year’s Eve Game Plan

    Published: Dec 28, 2021 · Modified: Aug 11, 2023 by Marissa Stevens · 28 Comments

    Planning New Year's Eve party? Here's my game plan for a stress-free party with easy New Year's Eve Appetizer Recipes and fabulous New Year's Eve Cocktail recipes + my favorite mocktail!

    New Years Eave Recipes
    Jump to:
    • How do you organize a New Year's Eve Party?
    • Savory Finger Foods
    • Festive Foods with a Little More Substance
    • Dips, Sauces and Spreads
    • Elegant Salads
    • Crackers
    • Mouthwatering Crostini Recipes
    • Perfect New Year's Eve Party Sweets
    • New Year's Eve Cocktails + My Favorite Mocktail!
    • 💬 Comments

    How do you organize a New Year's Eve Party?

    Skip the printing and send pretty and free online invitations. Here are two great sources:

    1. paperlesspost.com
    2. evite.com

    Music: set the mood with a perfect playlist.

    • Be sure to include a mix of lively, soft, and nostalgic songs. (Like this 83-song Spotify playlist)
    • Ask your party guests for a few of their favorite songs and add them to the mix.

    Party Decor: it doesn't have to be expensive.

    • Think sparkle: white lights, mirrors under dishes, low lights, candles (LED or traditional).

    Finger Foods (skip the silverware!): the mix and the quantity.

    • Include savory and sweet finger-food appetizers.
    • Assume that your guests will eat two or three of each of the finger foods.
    • Determine the number of finger food varieties based on the number of guests:
      • 10 to 15 guests = 3 or 4 varieties
      • 15 to 20 guests = 4 or 5 varieties
      • 25 or more guests = 5 or more varieties

    Cocktail (and mocktail!) quantities: better safe than sorry.

    • A general rule is 3 drinks per person for every 2 hours of the party. But it doesn't hurt to have extra on hand.
    • Don't forget your teetotaler friends and designated drivers - there are lots of fun, non-alcoholic cocktail recipes, like this Virgin Margarita recipe and Non Alcoholic Sangria.
    • Equivalents:
      • 1 liter of a distilled spirit yields about 22 mixed drinks
      • 1 750-milliliter bottle of wine or champagne yields 6 to 8 glasses

    Essential Bar Tools

    • Ice Bucket with Tongs
    • Ice (these giant ice cube trays are fun!)
    • Shaker and Strainer
    • Shot Glass or Jigger
    • Muddler
    • Small Cutting Board
    • Small Knife
    • Garnishes (lemons, limes, maraschino cherries, olives, bitters, etc. - depending on your choice of cocktails!)
    • Cocktail Napkins
    • Wine Opener
    • Twist Peeler

    Use the Right Glassware for your Cocktails

    • Old Fashioned or "Rocks" Glasses - for drinks served with ice
    • Martini Glasses - use for any 'up' cocktails that are stirred or shaken and strained
    • Champagne Glasses, either Coupe or Flute - for Champagne (or sparkling wine) and Champagne Cocktails

    Savory Finger Foods

    Bacon Wrapped Scallops
    A fast and fabulous recipe for cooking scallops wrapped in bacon!
    Check out this recipe
    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp served on a stainless platter featured
    Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
    Partially cooking the bacon is a key step to these perfectly succulent shrimp wrapped in bacon! A crowd pleasing appetizer recipe that's also great for keto and low carb diets.  
    Note that you'll need toothpicks to secure the bacon strips around the shrimp.
    Check out this recipe
    Bacon Wrapped Dates served on a white platter
    Bacon Wrapped Dates
    These are delicious warm from the oven and at room temperature making them an indispensable party appetizer. Feel free to double the recipe!
    Check out this recipe
    Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    Bacon Stuffed Mushrooms
    Feel free to double or triple this recipe and assemble up to 2 days before you plan to bake and serve.
    Check out this recipe
    Bacon Wrapped Pineapple on a black plate.
    Bacon Wrapped Pineapple
    It's the smoky, sweet and spicy combination of flavors that make this appetizer impossible to resist!
    Check out this recipe
    Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus arranged on a round platter with lemon wedges
    Prosciutto Wrapped Asaparagus
    When it comes to appetizers, it's hard to beat Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus for flavor and convenience! No matter how you choose to cook your asparagus (roasted, grilled, or pan-fried) be sure to let the spears cool to room temperature before wrapping with prosciutto.
    Check out this recipe
    Crispy Baked Coconut Shrimp
    A delicious and easy alternative to deep-fried coconut shrimp. This recipe requires minimal effort and mess, but yields maximum flavor and crunch.
    Check out this recipe
    Crispy-Baked-Egg-Rolls- served on white plates
    Crispy Baked Egg Rolls
    This recipe makes 10 egg rolls. You could also make mini-rolls to serve as appetizers using wonton wrappers instead. If you do this, reduce the baking time to 8 to 10 minutes or until golden brown.
    Check out this recipe
    Goat Cheese Phyllo Cup Appetizers
    These bite-sized Goat Cheese Phyllo Cup Appetizers are made with just six ingredients and ready in 15 minutes or less, these bites can also be made in advance and frozen!
    Check out this recipe
    salt potatoes served on a brushed metal platter
    Salt Potatoes
    Who knew that just potatoes, salt, and water could create such a delicious dish! Fingerling potatoes get buttery smooth on the inside with a crisp, salty crust on the outside to make an addictive appetizer!
    Check out this recipe
    Spicy-Deviled-Eggs-Served-on-slate
    Spicy Deviled Eggs
    The ideal party and picnic treat and an ideal way to enjoy leftover hard boiled eggs. Simple to make with an addictive spicy kick.
    Check out this recipe
    Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp with lemon slices in a cast iron skillet
    Lemon Garlic Butter Shrimp
    Succulent shrimp in a buttery, bright lemon garlic butter sauce!
    Check out this recipe
    Baked Goat Cheese served on a white plate with artisan crisps and greens
    Baked Goat Cheese
    Crispy and golden brown outside, soft and warm inside, Baked Goat Cheese is a perfect appetizer or salad topper!
    Check out this recipe

    Festive Foods with a Little More Substance

    Crab-Cakes-served-on-a-white-plate-with-lemon-slices
    Easy Crab Cakes
    An easy crab cake recipe for people who want to taste crab not fillers in their crab cakes! 
    Check out this recipe
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs served on a white oval platter photographed from above.
    Bacon Wrapped Chicken Thighs
    A quick and easy recipe for tender, juicy chicken thighs wrapped in smoky bacon.
    Check out this recipe
    tuna tartare served on a white plate.
    Tuna Tartare
    A delectable Tuna Tartare recipe courtesy of Michelin Star restaurant, K&L Bistro in Sebastopol, California.
    Check out this recipe
    Pulled Pork Nachos in a baking sheet photographed from above
    Pulled Pork Nachos
    Pulled Pork Nachos are a decadent delicious way to enjoy leftover pulled pork!
    Check out this recipe
    Dipping-Crispy-Baked-Chicken-Tenders-into-blue-cheese-dip square image
    Crispy Baked Buffalo Chicken Tenders
    Truly crispy baked buffalo chicken tenders with simple blue cheese dip - perfect party fare! I love to serve cold and crunchy carrot and celery sticks with this too.
    Check out this recipe
    Twice Baked Potatoes on black plate
    Twice Baked Potatoes
    A lightened up version of Emeril Lagasse's restaurant Overstuffed Twice Baked Potatoes.
    Check out this recipe
    Mexican Shrimp Cocktail served in small, clear glasses.
    Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
    An elegant, chilled appetizer with plump, flavorful shrimp, fresh tomato, cucumber and avocado in a lightly spicy tomato based sauce.
    Check out this recipe
    Garlic Butter Steak Bites in a cast iron skillet photographed from overhead.
    Garlic Butter Steak Bites
    A perfect blend of juicy, seared steak cubes bathed in buttery garlic goodness. A quick recipe that's makes any meal or party a memorable affair.
    Check out this recipe

    Dips, Sauces and Spreads

    Baba Ganoush served with cucumber slices
    Baba Ganoush
    A simple method for making this thick, creamy, smoky Lebanese dish!
    Check out this recipe
    Classic French Remoulade Sauce featured
    Classic French Remoulade Sauce
    Serve this delicious remoulade sauce as a condiment for fish, seafood or red meat.
    Check out this recipe
    remoulade sauce served in a black bowl
    Remoulade Sauce
    Spicy Louisiana Style Remoulade sauce recipe - perfect for crab cakes, as a dip for boiled shrimp, po' boy sandwiches, and Shrimp Remoulade.
    Check out this recipe
    Green Olive Tapenade served in a white bowl with crostini around.
    Green Olive Tapenade
    A versatile and vibrant olive tapenade that everyone will love!
    Check out this recipe

    Elegant Salads

    seafood pasta salad served in a yellow ceramic bowl
    Seafood Pasta Salad
    A delicious and satisfying main course pasta salad loaded with succulent shrimp and crab tossed in a creamy dressing.
    Check out this recipe
    Crab Salad served in light gray ceramic bowls.
    Crab Salad
    An easy and delicious recipe using real lump crab meat. Serve on it's own or as a Seafood Pasta Salad or delectable sandwich! Perfect for gluten free, and low carb and keto diets! 
    Check out this recipe
    Caesar Salad served on a white plate with a knife and fork.
    Caesar Salad with Homemade Caesar Salad Dressing
    Serve this as a side or top it with grilled chicken, shrimp, or salmon for a simple one-dish meal.
    Check out this recipe
    Celery Root Remoulade
    The classic French bistro salad.
    Check out this recipe
    Champagne Vinaigrette
    A delicious, tasty salad dressing that's so simple you may learn the recipe by heart!
    Check out this recipe

    Crackers

    Flaky Parmesan Cheese Straws
    These are wonderful with Parmigiano-Reggiano, but I imagine other hard cheeses or even cheddar would be equally good. If I were using cheddar, I would shred then freeze it before adding to the flour mixture in the food processor.
    Check out this recipe
    Sour Cherry, Walnut and Rosemary Crackers
    You'll need to start at least a day or several hours in advance to make these as they need to be frozen solid before slicing. Special Equipment: You'll need 4 mini-loaf pans (6.75"(L) x 3.25"(W") x 1.5"(H)) - I love these
    Check out this recipe
    Lavosh Crackers served on a silver plate
    Lavosh Crackers
    These snappy crisp crackers, made with whole grain flour, olive oil, and sesame seeds, are easy to make and are a great snack or addition to any gathering.
    Check out this recipe
    Almond Flour Crackers stacked on a white marble board
    Almond Flour Crackers
    Light and delicately crisp and cheesy gluten free crackers!
    Check out this recipe

    Mouthwatering Crostini Recipes

    Blue Cheese Crostini with Pecans and Honey
    Serve these warm and delicious crostini at your next party! Just 4 simple ingredients! This recipe is for 12 crostini, but scales easily for as many as you need.
    Check out this recipe
    Apple Crostini with Fig Jam and Pecorino
    Just a few simple ingredients in these Apple Crostini with Fig Jam and Pecorino! This recipe is for 12 crostini, but scales easily for as many as you need. 
    Check out this recipe
    Parsley Pesto and Burst Heirloom Cherry Tomato Crostini
    Delicious little toasts of crusty bread topped with parsley pesto jammy cherry tomatoes.
    Check out this recipe
    Brie Crostini with Cherries and Arugula
    A simple and delicious crostini recipe made with just 4 ingredients that are easy to find!
    Check out this recipe
    caprese crostini with pesto
    Caprese Crostini with Pesto
    You’ll have leftover pesto. Toss it with freshly cooked pasta for a second, simple meal or add a dollop to your favorite vinaigrette. The generous amount of lemon juice makes this pesto tangy and preserves it’s brilliant green color.
    Check out this recipe
    Feta and Lemon Crostini
    Inspired by Sweet Paul's Feta & Lemon Dip.
    Check out this recipe

    Perfect New Year's Eve Party Sweets

    Champagne-Gummy-Bears_served in a coupe
    Homemade Champagne Gummy Bears
    Make these homemade Champagne Gummy Bears with just 3 ingredients in less than 30 minutes!
    Check out this recipe
    Pecan Pie Truffles
    These little Pecan Pie Truffles are a few bites of sweet, boozy bliss with pecans, maple syrup, and bourbon!
    Check out this recipe
    Cashew Brittle stacked on a marble board
    Cashew Brittle
    An easy recipe for lightly salty, cashew loaded brittle!
    Check out this recipe
    Dark Chocolate Mini Peanut Butter Cups
    Add a healthier option to your dessert spread with these adorable peanut butter cups! Just a few simple ingredients and no refined sugar.
    Check out this recipe
    Sugared Pecans in a black bowl
    Sugared Pecans
    Sugared Pecans are easy to make and deliciously addictive! Delicious for snacking and as a sweet and crunchy topping for salads or desserts. And a perfect edible gift for the holidays!
    Check out this recipe
    chouquettes served in a cloth lined copper basket
    Homemade Chouquettes (French Pastry Sugar Puffs)
    Simple to make and absolutely delicious, chouquettes are lightly sweet pastry puffs that make a wonderful snack and perfect party fare.
    Check out this recipe

    New Year's Eve Cocktails + My Favorite Mocktail!

    Meyer Lemon French 75
    First poured in a Paris bar in 1915, the French 75 is a delicious mix of Champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar.
    Check out this recipe
    Non Alcoholic Sangria
    Finally! A non-alcoholic Sangria to get excited about - all because of an unexpected ingredient that mimics the missing alcohol! 
    Check out this recipe
    Eggnog Cocktail
    This Eggnog Cocktail is ultra cold and creamy, and warmly spiced. A holiday crowd pleaser, it’s the perfect beverage to add some flair to an evening with friends.
    Check out this recipe
    Virgin Margarita served in a highball glass with fresh lime slices and a salted rim.
    Virgin Margarita Recipe
    A simple, everyday ingredient makes these non-alcoholic margaritas taste like the real thing.
    Check out this recipe
    Mulled Wine
    This warming mulled wine recipe is festive, delicious and right in your slow cooker!
    Check out this recipe
    Boulevardier Cocktail Recipe
    A twist on the classic Negroni, swapping in whiskey for gin.
    Check out this recipe
    Peach Bellini cocktails served
    Peach Bellini Recipe
    A classic cocktail made famous by Harry's Bar in Venice, Italy that's so easy to make at home!
    Check out this recipe

    More Appetizer Recipes

    • Fire Roasted Salsa scooped on a yellow corn tortilla chip.
      Fire Roasted Salsa
    • Green Onion Dip served in a white ceramic bowl with potato chips and photographed from the top.
      Green Onion Dip
    • Garlic Butter Steak Bites in a cast iron skillet photographed from overhead.
      Garlic Butter Steak Bites
    • tuna tartare served on a white plate.
      Tuna Tartare

    Reader Interactions

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      Recipe Rating




    1. annie@ciaochowbambina says

      January 06, 2020 at 9:56 am

      Happy New Year, my friend! I love this post! So inspiring! Speaking of inspired - we made your champagne gummy bears, and loved them! They were a big hit!! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 09, 2020 at 2:14 pm

        Yay! I'm so happy to hear that, Annie! Happy New Year!

        Reply
    2. Leanne says

      January 06, 2020 at 6:54 am

      What a lovely selection of appetizers for NYE or any time of year! My hubby and I could make a meal on appetizers, and I can see some of these making an appearance for our Friday night snacking! Happy New Year Marissa!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 09, 2020 at 2:14 pm

        Keith and I are the same! Such a fun way to make a meal. Happy New Year, Leanne!

        Reply
    3. Neil says

      January 05, 2020 at 10:05 am

      Happy New Year to you Marissa! I'm just catching up after taking a break over the Christmas and New Yew festivities. The food and cocktails here are all so delicious looking. I hope you had an amazing Christmas and New Year yourself and am looking forward to all your recipes during 2020!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 09, 2020 at 2:15 pm

        Thanks so much for your kind words, Neil! And Happy New Year to you!

        Reply
    4. David @ Spiced says

      January 02, 2020 at 5:21 am

      I missed out on this post prior to NYE, but that's ok. Football playoffs and the Super Bowl are coming, and those are great excuses to make appetizers and bite-sized foods. That Pesto Crostini is totally going on the list!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 09, 2020 at 2:16 pm

        So true! And I think you'll love that Pesto Crostini - it's always a hit. It seems there's always a good reason to whip up some appetizers, right? Thanks, David!

        Reply
    5. Valentina says

      December 31, 2019 at 11:57 pm

      The cocktails and the food all look so wonderful! I would have this sort of party all year long. Happy, happy new Year, Marissa! Looking forward to more of your delicious recipes in 2020! 🙂 Valentina

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 09, 2020 at 2:16 pm

        Thank you so much, Valentina! Happy New Year!

        Reply
    6. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      December 30, 2019 at 1:43 pm

      What a perfect post, Marissa. Just in time for New Year's!! I think I"ll be referencing these tips for other dinner parties too, not just NYE. I would love to try each of those recipes too!! Happy New Year's, my friend. See you in 2020!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 09, 2020 at 2:17 pm

        Thank you, Katherine! Happy New Year to you and your beautiful family!

        Reply
    7. Katerina says

      December 30, 2019 at 3:54 am

      Everything you need to plan your NYE party is right here - what a fabulous round up, Marissa! Thanks so much! Wishing you a wonderful New Year!

      Reply
      • Marissa Stevens says

        January 09, 2020 at 2:21 pm

        Thank you, Katerina! Wishing you a wonderful New Year as well!

        Reply
    8. Bridget says

      January 16, 2018 at 5:42 am

      Hi Marissa! This year I found myself hosting a very last minute NYE Dinner Party and as I was scratching my head thinking, “what am I going to do now?”, my dad (a big fan of yours, Tom from Virginia) sent me this blog post. I scrolled through it, took a deep breath and smiled, and VOILA, a fabulous dinner party came to life! I made the Coconut Shrimp, Baked Camembert, Bacon Wrapped Dates, and the Feta & Lemon Crostini. All were wonderful! Thank you so much for all of these delicious and easy to follow recipes. All I had to do was insert Champagne and Sequins!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        January 19, 2018 at 1:39 pm

        Oh Bridget, you made my WEEK with this comment. Thank you! Tom is a dear and I love it that he introduced us, even if not in person. 😉 And it sounds like you know how to throw a party...lucky guests!

        Reply
    9. annie@ciaochowbambina says

      December 21, 2017 at 6:09 am

      I'm with Chey! I'm coming to your house for NYE! This is a post I see myself visiting a lot in the future! An awful lot! Thanks, again, for including my crostini! Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 21, 2017 at 9:50 am

        Woohoo!! That would make me so happy, Annie! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you too, my sweet friend!

        Reply
    10. David @ Spiced says

      December 20, 2017 at 6:34 am

      What a great collection, Marissa! New Year's Eve is seriously one of my favorite nights of the year. Our tradition is just to stay home and eat delicious finger foods and drink delicious drinks. Staying up for the actual ball drop is about a 50-50 chance, and I'm totally ok with that! 🙂 Thanks for the new ideas as well as the party advice! Happy (early) New Year's, my friend!

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 21, 2017 at 9:51 am

        Your tradition sounds just like ours, David! Happy, Happy New Year to you too!

        Reply
    11. Kevin | Kevin Is Cooking says

      December 19, 2017 at 8:15 am

      Too bad we aren't headed back up North this Christmas/NYE, but now I have a game plan thanks to you! Great line up Marissa! 🙂

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 21, 2017 at 9:51 am

        Thanks so much, Kevin!

        Reply
    12. Cheyanne @ No Spoon Necessary says

      December 19, 2017 at 8:00 am

      I'm coming to your house for New Years!! Don't mind me.. I just invite myself to fabulous places. 😉 Seriously though, this is a FABULOUS post, Marissa! I'm not hosting a new year party, but this makes me wish I was!! Thank you SO much for including my camembert in the finger food ideas! Pinning! Cheers, doll! xoxo

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 21, 2017 at 9:52 am

        You are ON! Thanks so much, Chey!!

        Reply
    13. Dawn - Girl Heart Food says

      December 19, 2017 at 7:54 am

      What a lovely round up and awesome tips, Marissa! Hubby and I love to stay in on New Years to celebrate so this is right up my alley! So much better than going out (and waaaaay better food). Thanks a million for including me! Sharing 🙂 XOXO

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 21, 2017 at 9:52 am

        Amen to all that, Dawn. We're the same way... xoxo

        Reply
    14. Katherine | Love In My Oven says

      December 18, 2017 at 8:44 pm

      This is a GREAT post Marissa! Pinned!! Thanks for all of the great recipes - I am actually going to steal a few ideas for the Christmas dinner I'm hosting. I'm going to sleep tonight dreaming of those coconut shrimp 😉

      Reply
      • Marissa says

        December 21, 2017 at 9:53 am

        I love it! I think Coconut Shrimp are a totally reasonable thing to dream about. 🙂

        Reply

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