Festive Food and Drinks That Your New Year’s Eve Party Can’t Be Without

2017 is right around the corner! And if you’re looking to ring in the new year with friends and family at your place, you won’t want to drop the ball (pun definitely intended) on your menu selections for the night! Give your guests the energy they need to celebrate all night long with these festive food and drinks that your party simply can’t be without:

Drinks

Let’s face it, New Year’s Eve is all about celebrating the current year and toasting as you move forward into the next one. So raise your glass and give one of these fun fizzy cocktails (and mocktails) a try:

Midnight Kiss Champagne Cocktail

Make sure you get your New Year’s kiss at midnight with this light and refreshing champagne cocktail with a surprise--a hint of chocolate! Champagne is one of the most popular drinks used for  celebrating a special occasion, and combining it with the richness of chocolate makes it the most delicious way to toast to new beginnings.

Pear Fizz Cocktail

Sticking with a champagne celebratory theme, this cocktail adds a burst of fruity flavor. It’s simple to make--requiring only three ingredients--and is a real crowd pleaser too. The lightness of the pear and champagne mixture complement any New Year’s Eve menu and works well even without the alcohol. Swap champagne for sparkling cider to achieve the same fresh taste. Stick in a festive drink stirrer and voilà--you’re ready for the clock to strike midnight.

Merry Mocktail

Who says you can’t enjoy the flavors of a cocktail without the alcohol? This mocktail takes a non-alcoholic twist on a traditional holiday beverage, combining the tartness of raspberry sorbet with the sweetness of sparkling cider. Serve it up in a champagne flute and clink your glasses to the new year ahead.

Appetizers

Most New Year’s Eve parties don’t include sit down dinners, since guests are usually dancing the night away. Keep your menu choices simple by serving finger foods and appetizers. Set up dishes around your party filled with chips, cheese and veggies, which are easily accessible to munch on. For food with more substance, try out one of these easy-to-make recipes:

Bruschetta With a Twist

Bruschetta is a great appetizer for any party and this twist on a classic favorite is no exception. The recipe calls for only three ingredients, so you can easily whip up this party favorite without a lot of prep.

Mac and Cheese On a Stick

Few things are more desirable than mac and cheese and when you add the convenience of putting it on a stick, it becomes an instant party-must!  These mini bites combine the creaminess of cheese with the crunch of breaded pasta for the ultimate party in your mouth!

Pizza Party Dip

For a heartier party snack, break out your crock pot! This pizza dip is super easy to make ahead of time and will keep your guests full and satisfied as they celebrate into the wee hours of the night.

Dessert

Let’s face it, so many of us look forward to the dessert at a party. And your party will be no exception. Here’s to hoping 2017 will be as sweet as the following treats that your guests will be sure to love:

Glitter Cake Pops

Sprinkle some glitter and gold confetti...on you dessert! These lemon cake pops will take your party to the next level. With equal parts sparkle and deliciousness, they’re almost too good to eat (we said almost)!

Champagne Glass Tiramisu

Add a bit of elegance to your affair with this tiramisu served in a champagne flute. Presentation can make all of the difference in the world when serving up a snack, and this one won’t disappoint. The no-bake recipe is so simple to make. All you have to do is whip a handful of ingredients together and pop it in the refrigerator until you’re ready to serve! If you’re feeling fancy (and who isn’t on New Year’s Eve?) top your treat off with some edible gold dust!

Fruit Bouquets

What’s the best way to toast to the new year? With this oversized cocktail glass filled with the freshest fruit, of course! If one of your resolutions is to be healthier in 2017, you won’t feel guilty about enjoying a plump strawberry or juicy piece of pineapple. And if you’re looking to indulge a little, grab a chocolate dipped piece of fruit to give 2016 a sweet send-off!