While Christmas dinner is arguably the most important – and stressful – meal of the year, entertaining on New Year’s Eve comes a close second. The countdown to midnight brings a flurry of excitement, but with it comes the pressure to throw the perfect NYE party, whether you’re catering for a crowd or just a handful of friends. So, what’s the secret to nailing New Year’s Eve? Certainly, having plenty of champagne on ice will go a long way, but it’s also about being smart with your cooking and whipping up delicious dishes that will suit everyone.
Be Prepared
This ethos will serve you well at any party, says Yotam Ottolenghi, author of Ottolenghi Test Kitchen: Extra Good Things. “The important thing is to give a sense of abundance, but also minimal work,” he advises. In recent gatherings with friends, he emphasizes the value of prepping dishes ahead of time, allowing for more quality moments with guests. He recounts a party where he prepared most items in advance—leaving only a simple egg dish fresh for serving.
Kate Young, author of The Little Library Parties, echoes this sentiment. She recommends creating in advance items like sausage rolls that can be served at room temperature, tarts that can bake early, and salads that can chill in the fridge until it’s time to serve, ensuring a stress-free dining experience.
For a traditional experience, Coinneach Macleod, author of The Hebridean Baker: My Scottish Island Kitchen, highlights Hogmanay as an occasion rich in hospitality. He suggests planning hearty dishes, such as Mince and Tatties, that can keep guests satisfied through the evening. Similarly, Jane Dunn, author of Jane’s Patisserie: Celebrate!, advises baking desserts a few days ahead, as most treats stay fresh for several days, allowing you to focus on other tasks as the celebration approaches.
Use Your Freezer Wisely
For the truly organized party host, cooking in advance and freezing meals can be a game changer. Suzanne Mulholland, known as The Batch Lady, emphasizes this approach, especially during the busy holiday season. She reveals, “I’m a huge party animal, and I love to be enjoying the party with everybody else,” illustrating how having meals prepped and frozen ahead of time can ease the chaos of last-minute shopping and cooking. Picture this: a rich beef bourguignon, made earlier in the month and ready to simply reheat on the big night.
Make Interactive Food
New Year’s Eve isn’t typically as formal as Christmas, so it invites creativity with your menu. Noor Murad from Ottolenghi Test Kitchen loves incorporating interactive food options. “I enjoy asking guests to get involved,” she shares, whether that means assembling vibrant mezze platters or enjoying a “build your own” format. This creates a relaxed atmosphere and allows everyone to choose their favorites without putting pressure on the host.
Lean Into Picky Bits
When it comes to appetizers, can you ever go wrong with a spread of small bites? Joe Swash, author of Joe’s Kitchen, touts the benefits of tapas-style offerings for gatherings like New Year’s Eve. “Load up on little bits,” he advises, suggesting plates of roast potatoes accompanied by various dipping sauces, allowing guests to tailor their plates as they sip their drinks. Jane Dunn also recommends mini desserts, as smaller portions are easier to handle and serve when guests are mingling.
Ask for Help When You Need It
No matter how skilled a host you may think you are, enlisting help can transform your gathering from overwhelming to enjoyable. Kate Young recalls her early hosting days, filled with the desire to do everything herself. “In reality, my friends watched me from their seat on the sofa, flapping about,” she admits. Now, she advocates for inviting friends into the kitchen to chop, stir, and pour. Her top tip? “Let people be useful. They love to help.”
*Always drink responsibly