Guest post by Kelly Noble, Relationship Manager for Foodservicewarehouse.com
I was 26 when I purchased my first home. Just one year out of college and excited to show it off. I was always throwing parties and having friends over for dinner and Sunday brunch. However with all my hard earned post college cash going into paying a mortgage I had little money to splurge on for my parties. This was especially true when I hosted my first ever New Year’s Eve party and the many New Year’s Eve parties that would follow over the years. I discovered through a little trial and error that it is possible to throw a wonderful New Year’s Eve party without spending all your money from Santa. Here are my top 5 ways to throw the best end-of-year bash without breaking the bank.
Later is better.
Start your party after dinner time so guest will have already eaten and you will not have to spend a ton on food and worry that you don’t have enough to feed a hungry crowd. I usually started my parties around 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. since the party was going to last until at least midnight for the New Year’s countdown. Also this gives guest less time to drink themselves into oblivion and thus making you spend less on libations.
Classy yet inexpensive party food.
A party on the last night of the year should be presented in a classy way. Why not serve your guests some appetizers and finger foods that will say, “I am an adult and this is not a frat party.” Just because you want to serve some classy food does not mean you have to spend a pretty penny. Here are 3 small plate foods that are sure to impress without costing too much:
1. Bacon wrapped shrimp. You can get shrimp in the frozen section much cheaper than you can get in the seafood section. If you are really tight on the budget get shrimp that has not been cooked, de-veined or shelled. You will have to do this yourself if you go this direction but it will save you some dollars. Cut your bacon in half (or three ways if the shrimp is smaller) and wrap each of your fully cleaned shrimp with one half slice of bacon. Secure bacon with a toothpick. Place the shrimp on a foil covered and lightly oiled cookie sheet or broiling pan. Cook on broil 5 minutes one side, flip then 5 minutes on the other side. Watch closely to avoid over cooking. Serve. YUM.
2. Hidden Valley Ranch Spinach Dip. Mix together 1 packet of dry ranch mix with 16 oz of sour cream and 10oz. chopped, frozen (thawed out) spinach. Chill 30 minutes. Take a large round loaf of bread (French or sourdough is preferred but really whatever you can find) and cut off the top and take out all the bread like you would when you are about to carve a pumpkin. Add the dip to the inside of the bread and serve with the bread insides cut into large cubes and an array of fresh veggies.
3. Fancy bark. Buy a packet or 2 of the white chocolate flavored melting candy (find this in the baking isle). Melt until smooth and warm and add a 1-2 cups (depending on how much candy you got) of dried cranberries (like Crazains) and 1-2 cups chopped macadamia nuts or almonds. Pour the mixture on a large cookie sheet that has been sprayed with cooking spray. Allow to cool completely (put in the refrigerator if you are in a hurry). Once the mix is hard you can break it up and serve it in a fancy bowl or nice plate. The colors are festive and it really satisfies the sweet tooth.
Take hand outs.
Many guests may ask if they can bring something. If this is the case, ask them to bring a bottle of champagne for the midnight toast. Or, you can ask each guest to bring their favorite alcoholic beverage and tell them you will supply the mixes (soda and juice) as well as the champagne. Having your guest bring the alcohol will save you a fortune and most people don’t mind bringing something anyway so it’s a win win.
Stretch the alcohol.
If you do not feel comfortable asking your guests to bring their own alcohol or you simply want to offer a beverage of your own, you can easily stretch your dollar by making some drink mixes. My favorite is sangria. It taste amazing, it looks amazing and it cuts your cost and doubles your alcohol. My favorite mix is Monin (yes the same people who make coffee flavoring). The directions say you need to add brandy but you can skip this step to save money and it will still taste amazing. Buy cheap, dry wine and some OJ and you are all set. Make it extra fancy by adding some sliced oranges to the mix. You can make a massive batch of sangria for less then $20!
Entertain.
The great thing about New Year’s Eve parties is that everyone is in a good mood and they will most likely chat each other up and keep themselves entertained. However, you still need to set the mood. Make sure to have some nice background music that is not too loud, you still want your guests to hear each other. Also think about seating room and standing room and make sure there are plenty of places to set drinks and snacks. If you have a small party, think about playing a fun board game like Apples to Apples which test how well your guests know each other. At about 10 minutes before midnight be sure to turn the TV on to your favorite New Year’s Eve show to join in on the countdown.
One last note.
A successful party does not end when the guests leave. You need to be sure everyone gets home safe. Have a number for a cab company close by and be ready to offer to pay for a cab if you have a stubborn friend who can’t drive. Once everyone is home safe you can pat yourself on the back. You just hosted one great party and no one knew you did it on the cheap!
About the guest blogger: Kelly Noble is the Relationship Manager for Foodservicewarehouse.com, a restaurant equipment and supply provider that also specializes in industry education. She has been an avid wine drinker and home cook for over 8 years and writes the Wine & Dine blog which focuses on her recipes, food trends, and entertaining.
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