New Year's Eve House Party Ideas: Dinner Menus And Easy Recipes For Appetizers, Fingers Foods And Desserts

Holding a dinner or cocktail party for your closest friends or relatives is our idea of ringing in the new year right. The secret to pulling off a stress-free, memorable event? Create a festive menu that will allow your friends to indulge in their favorite foods one last time before the ball drops and brings in 2016. To find the right menu, consider how many people you want to invite, your budget and your theme, if you have one. Below are the best New Year's Eve party food ideas from across the internet. Happy cooking and Happy New Year!

The best formal dinner menus: Martha Stewart suggests a simple, traditional meal starring Cornish hens and ending with an easy single-layer cake. For a child-friendly event, how about this menu featuring chicken drumettes and mini cheeseburgers? Those cooking for a more intimate affair can try Williams-Sonoma's menu for two offering crab bisque and filet mignon. Southern Living proposes a menu that will bring you luck in the new year and cornbread and black-eye peas on New Year's Eve night.

The best appetizers and finger foods: Delish has 75 last-minute appetizers and 14 party toasts. New York caterer Lauryn Tyrell of Lucullan Foods gave Epicurious her top four recipes for party finger foods and appetizers. Food Network put together a 46-page slideshow of fun treats. Food & Wine has got you covered if you live for savory dips.

The best dessert ideas: Food & Wine is our go-to site for decadent dessert ideas this New Year's Eve. Crazy for Crust has 80 ideas for those who crave chocolate and other sweet treats. Martha Stewart's New Year's Eve dessert suggestions include cupcakes with citrus glaze. Taste of Home's recipes include chocolate cheesecake. Need we say more?