New Years Appetizer Party

Sorry to post about this so early, but due to last minute changes, it now appears that I am hosting Thanksgiving, Hanukkah and New Years this year... having to host all three so close together has me stressed out.

For New Years, I was really just hoping to have an open bar- beer, champagne, wine... and then put out appetizers. There will probably only be 6-8 of us, and it's not necessary to "impress"... more of a relaxed, intimate but fun night. All of us like appetizers. Me and SIL love dips and mexican themed food... DH and my brother love meat and heartier apps. Just wondering what suggestions you had for this...

Re: New Years Appetizer Party

We did this a few years ago.

Spanakopita, hummus with pita chips and flat pretzels, cheese plate (w/ bread, crackers, quince and olives), mini quiche, 7-layer Mexican dip with Tostitos, spinach dip with pumpernickel bread...I also think we bought a bunch of pizzas from TJ's and would throw them in the oven as needed and cut into small squares. Plus chips, dip and salsa.

People loved it!

New Years Appetizer Party

I wouldn't go too crazy for that many people. Love casual apps for that kind of get together. Some ideas would be

spinach dip with veggies and bread
nachos
potato skins or bacon wrapped tater tots
buffalo chicken dip
crescent dogs
chips and salsa
a cheese plate or a baked brie

DH and I love doing cheese and chocolate fondue on new years which is fun too.

Re: New Years Appetizer Party

For heartier, meatier apps:

The crockpot cocktail meatballs are easy and everyone always loves them. Buy a bag of frozen mini meatballs, and throw them in the crockpot on low with equal parts grape jelly and Heinz chili sauce

You could also do pigs in blankets or sausage balls (Bisquik, sausage, and cheddar, rolled together and baked). I've also made baked empanadas that can be assembled ahead of time and frozen and then baked from frozen).

If your crowd eats shrimp, I often make a batch of shrimp that is marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and chopped fresh parsley. It's served cold, and is a nice change from shrimp cocktail.

I've also done Waffle Fry Nachos, which are kind of a twist on potato skins. I think I saw the recioe in Taste of Home. You buy frozen waffle fries... Bake them, too with cheese, chopped cooked bacon, scallions, sour cream, etc. so good!

For dips, the Knorr spinach dip is always popular, or you can do a hot spinach and artichoke dip. I do an easy taco dip (layer cream cheese, salsa, and shredded cheddar or mexican blend cheese in a pie plate and bake for 25-30 mins). Serve with tortilla chips, veggies, etc.

I also make a baked clam dip that is very good and can also be served in individual foil clam shells. It's very easy and you can make it a day in advance.

A cheese and charcuterie board with varied meats, cheeses, nuts, olives, etc is easy to throw together and people can pick on that.

You can buy so many great frozen hors d.ourves now, too, that I would probably make a couple of things and then get help from the store if you are pressed for time. You could even get mini tartlets or mini cheesecakes for dessert/champagne after midnight.