Create a simple yet sophisticated menu

We love no-fuss nosh for a relaxed and festive party, but New Year’s Eve calls for something a bit more special. Step up your spread with a menu of easy, elegant apps and snacks to suit everyone’s palate.

Prep fancier versions of comfort-food favourites, such as nachos baked on a cedar plank and served with chunky salsa; mushroom caps stuffed with creamy goat cheese; spicy grilled shrimp; and mini grilled cheese sandwiches stuffed with bacon, fruit or gourmet spreads.
Entice guests to the veggie tray with colourful kabobs stacked with sweet green peppers, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives.
Sub in unexpected ingredients to jazz up standard party fare. For example, try serving sliders with tuna patties instead of beef.
A dwindling cheese plate can be a real party pooper. Keep yours well stocked with a selection of hard and soft cheeses, and cured meats. An overflowing basket of fresh artisan breads is a welcome touch.

Set the mood with music

The right tunes will keep the party rockin’ until midnight – or even later.

Find festive playlists on a free online music-streaming site, or ask guests to send you their requests, and custom-make your own party mix.
Count down to midnight by playing your top 10 favourite songs of the year.
Everyone wants to hear “Auld Lang Syne” at the stroke of 12, and you can’t argue with tradition, but we think playing a meaningful tune at the end of the night is an extra-special way to usher in the new year.

Shake up the cocktails

Be fearless with flavour when creating a signature drink your guests won’t soon forget.

Welcome chilly invitees with steamy mugs of seasonal favourites like mulled wine or hot cider.
Add a fragrant twist to citrus-based cocktails with a hint of fresh herbs such as basil or thyme.
Mix drinks with subtly fruity Italian-style sodas instead of standard pop or tonic water.

Celebrate with a midnight sweet table

Nothing keeps a party pumping like a late-night sugar rush. Your guests will feel like kids in a candy store when you roll out a selection of easy-to-nibble treats.

No need to get fancy – everyone adores goodies like Belgian chocolate cookies, tarts and homemade squares.
What goes great with Champagne? Truffles! Make them yourself, or save time with decadent Compliments Milk Chocolate Truffles.
Fill a few glass bowls with a variety of corner-store sweets, such as licorice strings, wine gums, sour fruit chews and candy-coated chocolates.

Toast with a mocktail

You can’t ring in the new year without popping the cork on a bottle of bubbly, but guests will also enjoy capping off the night with a flavourful virgin drink. (Plus, it’s a nice gesture to make designated drivers feel included in the final “cheers.”)

Sparkling citrus ends the night on a refreshing note. Offer to fill their flutes with chilled lemonade or clementine-ginger punch.
Send your guests off into the cold, cold night with warm bellies full of chai tea lattes or peppermint-tea hot chocolate.