What To Serve For New Year’s Eve (And New Year’s Day)

Are you having New Year’s Eve at home? Or better yet, are you hosting a New Year’s Eve celebration? Well, we have some food ideas for you, and of course, we have a PNW twist! From festive appetizers to interactive food bars, you can create a delightful menu that reflects the flavors of the Pacific Northwest while ensuring your guests have a memorable experience. Let’s dive into some delicious options that will elevate your celebration and make it truly special!

Appy Time

Charcuterie Board

Craft a stunning charcuterie board featuring local cheeses, cured meats, seasonal fruits, and nuts. Tillamook has a variety of cheeses that will be a hit with kids and adults alike. Another great choice is cheese from Rogue Creamery. Olympic Provisions has the best cured meats for your charcuterie board. Looking for a delicious fruit option? Al’s Garden and Home has a special apple made just for them called Ice Apples. This will pair perfectly with your cheese. Throw some Oregon hazelnuts on there, and you have a delicious and local-focused treat. Try Hazelnut Hill for some hazelnuts and other treats. This visually appealing spread encourages guests to mingle and sample a variety of flavors. You may think this is not kid-friendly, but really, it is the MOST kid-friendly. They get to pick and choose what they eat, and you get to tailor the board to your needs. 

Popcorn Station

Provide an array of popcorn flavors, from classic butter to gourmet seasonings, for guests to munch on throughout the evening. For your popcorn bar, you can offer a variety of popcorn options to delight your guests. Start with a base of plain popcorn, lightly salted or unsalted, followed by classic butter popcorn for traditionalists. For those who enjoy savory flavors, cheese popcorn provides a cheesy kick, while caramel corn adds a sweet and crunchy dessert option. Enhance the experience with an array of toppings, both sweet and savory. 

The Main Event

What can you serve for something special on New Year’s for the family or for a crowd? Here is a pro tip …do a bar. A food bar! This allows guests to make what they want to eat. It adds flexibility. Any kind of bar works amazingly. Here are some suggestions and a list of what you need for each type of bar.

Pasta Bar

Pasta Options

• Types of Pasta:
  • Spaghetti
  • Penne
  • Fusilli

Sauces

• Marinara Sauce
• Alfredo Sauce
• Pesto Sauce
• Bolognese Sauce
• Olive Oil and Garlic

Proteins

• Grilled Chicken
• Meatballs
• Sautéed or Grilled Shrimp
• Sautéed Veggies

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese
• Fresh Herbs
• Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
• Olives

Taco Bar

Tortillas

• Soft Flour Tortillas
• Corn Tortillas
• Hard Taco Shells

Proteins

• Ground Beef
• Shredded Chicken
• Pulled Pork
• Beans

Toppings

• Chopped Olives
• Chopped Onions
• Cilantro
• Diced Tomatoes
• Hot Sauce
• Lime Wedge (for squeezing)
• Pico de Gallo
• Salsa
• Shredded Cheese
• Shredded Lettuce
• Sliced Avocados or Guacamole
• Sliced Jalapeños
• Sour Cream

Potato Bar

Potatoes

• Baked Potatoes
• Mashed Potatoes

Toppings

• Butter
• Sour Cream
• Shredded Cheese
• Chopped Green Onions
• Bacon Bits
• Broccoli
• Chili
• Sautéed Mushrooms
• Corn
• Guacamole
• Hot Sauce
• Ranch Dressing

Yumm(y) Bowl Bar

Base

• Rice Options:
  • White Jasmine Rice
  • Brown Rice
  • Cauliflower Rice

Proteins

• Grilled Chicken
• Beef
• Shrimp
• Tofu
• Beans

Toppings

• Vegetables
• Fresh Herbs
• Pickled Vegetables
• Nuts and Seeds

Sauce

• Yumm Sauce (Get it at Café Yumm! or at New Seasons )

Give me that Sweet Stuff

This is the time to do something special and different. NYE is for fun!

Chocolate Fondue

A fun and interactive dessert, serve melted chocolate with an assortment of fruits, marshmallows, cookies, and pretzels for dipping.

Cookies and Milk Bar

Offer a wide selection of cookies paired with different types of milk, ensuring a nostalgic and comforting option for guests of all ages.

Drinks

NYE calls for fun drinks! Consider offering a festive drink station with signature cocktails, mocktails, and bubbly options to toast at midnight. Adding colorful garnishes and unique glassware can elevate the experience, making your celebration even more memorable.

Champagne Cocktails

Elevate your toasts with champagne cocktails mixed with fruit purees or liqueurs, adding a touch of sophistication to your celebration. Obviously, this is for the grown-ups!

Mocktail Station

Include a variety of non-alcoholic beverages for guests to enjoy, ensuring everyone can partake in the festivities. Get bubble water, fruit purees, syrups, cherries, and whipped cream, and don’t forget the little umbrellas (you can buy them at the US Chef’s Store).

Hot Chocolate Station

Set up a hot chocolate station with toppings like whipped cream, marshmallows, and peppermint for a cozy drink option. Need more help with this one? We got you! Check out our article  How To Set Up The Perfect Cocoa Bar For Your Family Using Oregon-Made Products for inspo. 

This should offer a way to make your New Year’s Eve celebration special, providing a game plan for creating lasting memories with your loved ones. With a variety of interactive elements and delicious options, you can ensure everyone is engaged and having fun as you ring in the new year together. Embrace the joy of togetherness and celebrate the moments that matter most! Plus, we have one addition to get you into the new year. 

Lucky Traditions for New Year’s Day

This author has Southern roots, so here are some ways to invite good luck in the new year. Part of the luck is represented by coins, paper money, and gold, symbolizing prosperity and abundance. Consider incorporating traditional Southern dishes to help your new year be lucky and prosperous. 

• Blacked-Eyed Peas-Make anything with black-eyed peas to bring luck and good fortune. They are the coins in the trinity of food.
• Greens or Cabbage– Collard greens, mustard greens, and green cabbage are some of the more common. They symbolize wealth for the new year. These are the paper money part. 
• Cornbread-Its golden color represents gold. 
• Pork– Ham or roasted or fried pork symbolizes progress and good fortune and the action of rooting forward in the new year. 

As you prepare for a memorable New Year’s Eve celebration, remember that the heart of the gathering lies in the connections you foster and the traditions you honor. With a delightful array of food, drinks, and activities, you can create an inviting atmosphere that encourages laughter, joy, and togetherness. Celebrate not only the end of one year but also the beginning of another filled with hope and new possibilities. Here’s to a fantastic New Year ahead!