5, 4, 3, 2, 1…

Of all the holidays, none says “party” like New Year’s Eve.

So gather your favorite people and welcome the new year together in style.

The big decisions come first: what kind of party suits your fancy and where should you have it?

If you have a friendly neighborhood, try a progressive party. Have cocktails at one house, move down the block for appetizers, cross the street for salad, and round the corner for the main dish. Wind up at the last house in time for sweets and a midnight champagne toast.

For a more intimate crowd, get out the fondue pot. Start with cheesy nibbles and make your way to chocolate-dipped fruits. What better way to start the year?

Satisfy your guests’ sweet tooth with a cookie party. Have everybody bring a plate full of their favorite recipe. Or, they may opt to stop in to our bakery and pick up something scrumptious.

You might enlist your guests’ help with a food theme. Ask everyone to bring their favorite appetizer or dessert, or put on a fancy dinner party with one assignment per person. It gives everyone a chance to show off a specialty, but keeps the workload under control.

If you start your event late enough, though, there’s no need to provide a full meal. A wine and cheese party makes an elegant impression, and it’s easy to do. Ask each guest to bring their favorite cheese and bottle of wine. As host you can provide several varieties of crackers, breads, and even dessert.  It’s a wonderful way to discover new wines, share your favorite tastes, and catch up with good friends. For a little help with the appetizers, just pick up one our party platters – they make a delicious addition to any gathering. Whether you’re looking for fruits and vegetables, meats and cheeses, or something sweet from the bakery, we can make it. View our huge selection and place your order.

We hope these ideas make for a great celebration — and a happy new year.

Here are some menu ideas with recipes that are sure to satiate your party guests:

Progressive Party Menu Ideas: If your name is drawn to serve the main course, these dinners are all about holiday comfort. This is the only time of year that you need not think twice about preparing food this decadent and rich.

Individual Beef Wellingtons Make-Ahead Mashed Potatoes Green Beans with Blue Cheese

Vienna Schnitzel Potato and Shiitake Mushroom Gratin Roasted Asparagus and Yellow Pepper Salad

Citrus Scallops II Maria's Broccoli Rabe Delicious Ham and Potato Soup

Fondue Party: These delicious cheese fondue recipes make satisfying appetizers on chilly holiday evenings. Use a fondue pot in the middle of the table to keep the cheese warm. (You may need a second or even a third for larger gatherings.) Set up the table around it with bread sticks, cubes of toasted sourdough bread, and lightly-steamed red peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots. You’ll want to cut the veggies small enough to eat in one bite. Red grapes and sliced apples make for delicious dippers too! Simply spear a delicious bite on your fondue fork, dip it in the pot, and enjoy.

Bread Fondue

Creamy Veggie Fondue

Cheese Fondue

Cookie Party Menu: Here are some wonderfully tasty recipes that your guests will love. Be sure to have plenty of water, coffee, tea, and milk on hand!

Eileen's Spicy Gingerbread Men Cranberry Bars Raspberry and Almond Shortbread Thumbprints Cranberry Pistachio Biscotti

Triple the Ginger Cookies Mrs. Sigg's Snickerdoodles Pecan Pie Surprise Bars

Hello Dollies I Chocolate Snowdrops Kay's Shortbread

Appetizer Party Menu: Get your evening off to a delicious start. These tasty finger foods are the perfect complement to lively conversation.

Salmon Croquettes Portobello Mushroom Caps and Veggies Feta and Olive Meatballs

Dorsey's Fried Oysters Crab Canapes Artichoke, Mushroom and Parma Ham Tart

Mary's Roasted Red Pepper Dip Herbed Cheese Puffs Party Pinwheels

Dessert Party: These easy to make recipes will satisfy anyone’s sweet tooth. Pair any combination of these treats with some aromatic black coffee or tea for a delightful contrast of flavors.

Holiday Punch I Chocolate Bar Fondue Chocolate Covered Cherries Peppermint Brittle Cherry Pound Cake

Marzipan Candy Mini Cheesecakes Baked Walnuts Chocolate Orange Truffles

Soda Cracker Candy Microwave Caramel Popcorn White Chocolate Covered Pretzels World's Best Peanut Butter Fudge

Dinner Party Menu: Gather your closest friends around of table full of delicious home cooked dishes. We’ve got some great suggestions for hearty holiday meals that are as easy to prepare as they are delicious.

Special Occasion Stuffed Crown Pork Roast Hazelnut-Mushroom Pilaf Roquefort Pear Salad

Veal Forestiere Jamie's Cranberry Spinach Salad Harvest Rice Dish

Ginger Scallops Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Spinach and Goat Cheese Salad with Beetroot Vinaigrette

Wine and Cheese Party Menus: Perfect for an evening of sophisticated conversation. These dishes were picked for their aptitude for playing well with all your favorite wines.

Lance's French Onion Soup Hot Bruschetta Dip Crostini D'Emily Roquefort Pear Salad

Tangy Pear and Blue Cheese Salad Parmesan Garlic Bread Feta Cheese Foldovers Assorted fresh fruits, cheeses, and crackers

Assorted cheeses from the deli Fresh fruit – like grapes, sliced apples, pears, and peaches Sliced French baguette, brushed with olive oil and toasted