Recipe: New Year's Eve buffet appetizers and finger foods

by Julie Snyder

The year is quickly coming to a close. Send it out on a high note with a New Year's Eve Buffet.

Whether you'll have a crowd or just a few; families and kids or an adult only event, food takes a central spot. Start out the evening with light snacks and around 10:30 p.m. bring out the hearty, main dish.

Don't forget the platter of noisemakers, hats, tiaras and boas. People can people grab their favorite items to help them ring in the year.

New Year's Eve buffet menu

Will you have kids at the event? Just couples? The whole family? Pick and choose from the buffet ideas below for a spread to please any crowd.

Hearty, filling finger foods

• Coleslaw and Pulled Pork Mini Hoagies
• Buffalo Chicken Tenders
• Cheesy Sausage Biscuit Balls

Chips and other crunchies

• Popcorn with toppers
• Hummus and Pita Bread Cups
• No-Guilt Seven Layer Dip
• Cheddar and Bacon Cheese Ball
• Basil Pesto Dip

Tasty tidbits to break out throughout the evening:

• Cheese Crusted Zucchini Strips with Hearty Marinara Sauce
• Polenta Bites
• Cream Cheese and Olive Penguins
• Festive Tomato, Mozzarella and Basil Kebabs

Sweet treats

• Orange chocolate shortbread cookies
• No Bake Rum Balls
• Fruity Kebabs

Family-friendly drinks

• Berry Lemonade Iced Tea
• Mocktails and cocktails

Countdown to New Year's Eve

10. Shop till the ball drops. You won't need to shop that long or that hard, but do go through your menu, make a list of everything you can buy in advance and a second list of last minute purchases such as produce.

9. Take those offers to bring something. When someone asks, find out what they can bring or make a suggestion. Jot that down on your menu.

8. Make ahead what you can. Cook the pork, make the dips and cut fruits and vegetables up for trays and for recipes.

7. Put the pieces together. Mock up your buffet arrangement. You can draw a sketch or you go as far as placing decorations, getting out the serving dishes and "filling" each with a note telling its contents.

6. Get a good night's sleep! Put your plans away, soak in the tub, relax with a book or choose a favorite stress reliever.