Throwing a fabulous New Year’s Eve fete and looking for a perfect formula for success? We’ve got you covered with these modern dishes and simple, but superb entertaining tips.
Bell-Ringing Recipes
Bacon Almond Cheese Spread – Your guests will be “spreading” the word about how good this hors d'oeuvre is. Taking just minutes to prep and cook, this is an easy and sumptuous solution to serve during your holiday hullaballoo!
Champagne Chops – Somehow it doesn't feel like New Year's if you don't pop the bubbly for the midnight countdown – don’t wait; include champagne in your entrée! With these elegant, but easy chops you’re sure to add a little “sparkle” to your table. Simply pair this dish with asparagus spears and French bread. Salut!
Bacon and Peanut Butter Cookies – Make your New Year’s Eve sweet and savory with another kind of recipe entirely: a homey cookie that’s not at all avant-garde. Bacon and peanut butter star in a smoky treat with the perfect balance of sugar and salt.
Effortless Entertaining
- Create festive centerpieces and platters. Use martini glasses, wine glasses and champagne stems in the center of your table filled with water and floating votives in each glass for a sparkling centerpiece. Or, try livening up platters with small holiday ornaments (repurposed, of course!) or gorgeous small fruits and vegetables.
- Set the stage. Try making your own confetti from scraps of colorful paper around your home and adding a splash of sequins for some drama. Package the confetti in small-bags, and then place it inside a party hat for guests to grab and throw when the ball drops.
- Set your “pork”solutions. Make sure you have your resolutions jotted down before heading out for the night – New Year’s Eve is a time to reflect on the changes we want (or need) to make. This year, why don’t you try volunteering at a food bank, or donating to a local organization.
- We are family. To get your guests to stay longer, hire an on-site babysitter (or maybe two, depending on the number of kids) and let people know it's OK to bring the little ones along for the night.
Be sure to check out other great recipes here. Have questions about the challenges you face in the kitchen during the holidays? Check out PorkKnifeandSpoon.com to ask Shauna about her festive tips and must-haves for the holiday table.