To host a successful end-of-the-year celebration, stay cool. Wow guests with a few luxe details, but don’t overdo it. Below, find the culture-approved party plan for a decadent New Year’s Eve, complete with a menu, timeline, and, of course, some festive tunes.
Menu
- Buckwheat Blini with Crème Fraîche
- Endive in vinaigrette
- Lobster bisque
- Tagliatelle with truffle cream
- Pomegranates & chocolate
Serve this cheese: Robiola Tre Latti
Pop this cork: Champagne
Playlist
- “The Final Countdown,” Europe
- “Everybody Have Fun Tonight,” Wang Chung
- “All My Friends,” LCD Soundsystem
- “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie
- “I Can’t Wait,” Nu Shooz
- “Lust for Life,” Iggy Pop
- “Drop It Like It’s Hot,” Snoop Dogg (the ball, that is!)
Timeline
THREE DAYS BEFORE: Shop; make playlist
TWO DAYS BEFORE: Make vinaigrette; prep blini toppings; make bisque
MORNING OF: Make blini batter; cook pasta; cut endive; seed pomegranates; set table; chill Champagne
ONE HOUR BEFORE: Cook blini; let cheese come to room temperature; heat bisque; arrange blini toppings
WHEN GUESTS ARRIVE: Pop the Champagne and direct them to the food
Leigh Belanger
Leigh Belanger is culture's former food editor. She's been a food writer, editor, and project manager for over a decade— serving as program director for Chefs Collaborative and contributing to local newspapers and magazines. Her first book, The Boston Homegrown Cookbook, was published in 2012. She lives and cooks in Boston with her family.
