Hosting a New Year’s Eve Party At Home

There is nothing I enjoy more than hosting a party at my house. I love preparing charcuterie boards, cooking a surplus of main dishes and sides, and decorating the space with innovative Pinterest finds. One of my favorite days to host is New Year’s Eve. It’s casual, lively, and encourages a table filled with appetizers and luxurious touches like caviar. Plus, it’s the perfect way to kick off the new year with family and friends.

Let’s talk food. For this holiday, I usually prepare a long table (buffet-style) and present fun, interactive finger foods such as nachos, homemade pretzel bites, deviled eggs (with caviar), sliders, and of course wings. I prefer to make a variety of wings, such as buffalo, lemon and parsley, and lemon pepper. As a rule of thumb, I’ll have some meat-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and keto options for those leaning into their new year resolutions. Pretzel bites may come with a dairy-free mustard dipping sauce. Nachos will use corn chips, instead of flour. And wings will be pre-marinated, grilled, and finished in the oven. As a fan of deviled eggs, I usually have these on hand for those looking for a higher protein snack. Look at your guest list, ask for allergies & preferences, and go from there.

Let’s be real, no party would be complete without a charcuterie board, or a cheese & fruit board. I have invested in an assortment of beautiful olive wood boards, some engraved, all perfect for hosting at the house. Generally, I’ll look to experienced food stylists and Pinterest boards for inspiration. Get creative! I usually add dried fruits, fresh fruits, olives, sweet and spicy peppers, fresh honeycomb – the list goes on and on. Also, incorporate your event into the board. I personally would use cheese to spell out the year ahead, and/or include gold touches. Lastly, I’ll always include caviar on one (or all) of the boards – it screams New Year’s Eve.

Party main dishes can be easy if you opt to use your favorite cooking vessels such as the crockpot, Instant Pot, and/or broiler. For me personally, I use 2-3 crockpots and prepare a pulled pork or chicken, and a pasta dish. Pulled meats pair with a taco station, and pasta pairs with a salad station. Easy cleanup, fun delivery, and buffet style. Once again, get creative – and work with your guests’ preferences. If you’re pressed for time, a shrimp cocktail platter goes a long way.

This is the perfect time of year to gather with family and friends (safely) and spend time together – regardless of your resolutions. Get creative with the menu, décor, and presentation. Remember to ask your guests if they have any allergies or preferences in advance and look to experienced food stylists and bloggers for inspiration. Most important – have fun!