New Year’s Eve is one of the biggest party nights of the year. If you’re hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner party, you’ll want to make sure you serve food that is festive and delicious. The food should be easy to eat while mingling and ideally not too messy. You’ll want a mix of appetizers, entrees, sides and desserts that can feed a crowd. Here are some ideas for what to serve at a New Year’s Eve dinner party.
Appetizers
Appetizers are a must for a New Year’s Eve party. They allow guests to graze on light bites while enjoying cocktails before dinner. Some easy appetizer ideas include:
- Cheese board with crackers and fruit
- Crudités with ranch or hummus for dipping
- Bruschetta topped with tomato, basil and balsamic
- Bacon wrapped dates or water chestnuts
- Meatballs in a sauce like barbecue, Swedish or hoisin
- Stuffed mushrooms
- Fresh shrimp cocktail
- Deviled eggs
- Pigs in a blanket
Aim for a variety of hot and cold appetizers with different textures and flavors. You’ll also want to provide appetizers that work for any vegetarian or gluten-free guests.
Serving Tips:
- Make appetizers easy for guests to pick up and eat with one hand.
- If apps need reheating, do them in batches throughout the night so they stay hot.
- Keep cold apps chilled on ice or nestled around cold packs.
- Mix up heights and arrangements of apps on platters for visual interest.
Main Courses
The main course for a New Year’s Eve dinner party should feel special but not too heavy. Steer clear of really rich, complex dishes. Think simple preparations that can Feed a crowd and won’t weigh guests down before a late night of celebrating. Here are some entrée ideas:
- Roast beef tenderloin with horseradish sauce
- Baked salmon with lemon and dill
- Herb roasted chicken
- Pork tenderloin medallions
- Pasta primavera (for vegetarian guests)
- Lasagna or baked ziti
- Honey glazed ham
Choose a couple of entrée options to accommodate any dietary restrictions. Lean proteins like beef, pork, chicken or fish all make easy yet elegant choices.
Serving Tips:
- Cook entrees earlier in the day or the day before.
- Slice meats and arrange on platters ready to serve.
- Keep entrees piping hot until serving time in the oven or slow cooker.
- Let guests serve themselves buffet style or assign someone to plate and serve plated dinners.
Side Dishes
Round out the main course with a few simple side dishes like:
- Roasted potatoes or root vegetables
- Rice pilaf or risotto
- Roasted asparagus or green beans
- Dinner rolls
- Mixed green salad
Starchy sides like potatoes, rice or pasta go well with the protein. Then add lighter veggie sides and a salad. Dinner rolls and butter are always a hit for sopping up any delicious juices or sauces.
Serving Tips:
- Cook vegetable sides earlier in the day and reheat to serve.
- Roast veggies ahead of time and toss with fresh herbs just before serving.
- Make salad dressings and vinaigrettes ahead.
- Warm rolls or bake from frozen right before dinner.
Desserts
Dessert is a sweet way to finish off the meal. For a crowd, it’s best to serve desserts that can be easily portioned. Consider these festive ideas:
- Cheesecake with chocolate ganache or fruit topping
- Assorted mini cupcakes or macarons
- Mixed berry trifle
- Chocolate pots de crème
- Apple or pumpkin pie
- Petit fours
The dessert course is also a great time to serve champagne, coffee and tea as guests relax before the midnight countdown.
Serving Tips:
- Assemble desserts in advance in single servings.
- Layer trifles and parfaits in clear glassware for a pretty look.
- Top pies and cakes ahead then slice and serve.
- Set out small plates, forks and napkins for easy dessert eating.
Beverages
Having plenty of festive beverages is key for celebrating on New Year’s Eve. Stock up on:
- Champagne, prosecco or sparkling wine for toasting
- White and red wine
- Beer and hard seltzer
- Bottled water and sodas
- Coffee and tea
- Fruit juice for mocktails
- Eggnog or hot cocoa
Set up a bar area with glassware and cocktail supplies so guests can help themselves. Provide plenty of ice, garnishes and mixers. The more you prep ahead, the easier drink service will be.
Serving Tips:
- Stock up on a variety of beer, wine and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Chill bottles of bubbly and white wine in advance.
- Offer champagne in flutes for the midnight toast.
- Set out pitchers of water to stay hydrated while celebrating.
- Keep hot drinks hot with an electric kettle, coffee maker or slow cooker.
Easy Decor Tips
A few simple decorations can really set the mood for a festive New Year’s Eve. Here are some easy ideas:
- Set a glittery tablecloth or runners and coordintaing napkins.
- Use disposable plates, cups and plasticware decorated for NYE.
- Scatter confetti, glitter or sequins on the table.
- Set up a selfie station with fun props.
- Use balloons, streamers and banners in black, gold and silver.
- Display cut outs of champagne flutes and “2023” numbers.
- Arrange vases with flowers in metallic hues.
- Drape string lights around the space for a cozy glow.
The decor doesn’t need to be overly fancy or expensive. A few on theme accents go a long way in setting a festive mood. The main event is ringing in the new year with friends, family and delicious food!
New Year’s Eve Dinner Party Menu
Here is a full sample menu for a New Year’s Eve dinner party:
Appetizers:
- Cheese board with crackers
- Crudités with ranch dip
- Bacon wrapped dates
- Bruschetta
- Meatballs in barbecue sauce
Main Courses:
- Herb roasted chicken
- Honey glazed ham
- Pasta primavera
Sides:
- Garlic roasted potatoes
- Roasted green beans
- Dinner rolls with butter
- Mixed green salad
Desserts:
- Assorted cupcakes
- Chocolate pots de crème
- Petit fours
Beverages:
- Champagne and sparkling juices
- Red and white wine
- Beer and hard seltzer
- Sodas and bottled water
- Coffee and tea
This menu provides plenty of options to please a crowd. The make ahead appetizers, sides and desserts help minimize last minute cooking on party day. Spend New Year’s Eve enjoying fun times and a delicious feast with loved ones!
New Year’s Eve Dinner Party Timeline
Planning and preparing in advance is the key to throwing a successful New Year’s Eve dinner party. Here is a suggested timeline:
| Timeframe | Task |
|---|---|
| 2-3 weeks before | Send invites and have guests RSVP |
| 1-2 weeks before | Plan menu and make grocery lists |
| A few days before | Do major shopping for food and beverages |
| 2 days before | Prepare entrees and desserts that can be refrigerated |
| 1 days before | Set tables, make decorations, ready serveware |
| Party day morning/afternoon | Finish food prep, cook side dishes |
| 1-2 hours pre-guests | Assemble appetizers, take out entrees and sides to warm up |
| 15 mins before guests | Put finishing touches on food and décor |
Preparing the menu over the course of several days helps minimize stress and work on party day. Get as much done ahead of time so you can truly relax and enjoy ringing in the new year surrounded by friends and family.
Conclusion
Hosting a New Year’s Eve dinner party is a wonderful way to celebrate and look forward to the year ahead. With the right mix of festive food, drinks and décor, you’re sure to ring in the new year in style. The key is choosing a crowd-pleasing menu of make-ahead appetizers, elegant entrees and easy sides and desserts. Mixed with fun décor, lively music and plenty of bubbly, your party will be a sparkling success. Your guests will leave full, happy and ready to start the new year off right.