Tips for a Cheese & “Whine”-Free New Year’s Eve

 

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NaturallyCheesy #CollectiveBias

The Christmas holidays are behind us and everyone’s in a deconstructing, fresh start, but still exhausted state of mind. New Year’s Eve is approaching quickly and 2016 is just about to start with a bang, but how will you send off 2015? I’ve put together for some great ideas for creating a Cheese & “Whine”-Free New Year’s Eve “In” – perfect for staying in the comfort of your own home.

You’ve probably spent the last few weeks prepping, building, creating, decorating, and wrapping your heart out and that probably means you’re just about tapped out when it comes to creating something extra special for New Year’s Eve. With these few simple steps, you can create something special without spending a ton of time or money. Simplicity is key!

1. Put together build-it-yourself appetizers!

One of my favorite elements of a New Year’s Eve party is appetizers and desserts. Everyone can nibble throughout the night and it’s less work and preparation for you. For this simple spread, you’ll need crackers, salami or sliced sausage of your choice, and a Cracker Barrel Cheese Tray. Varieties include pepper jack, cheddar jack, asiago, and extra sharp cheddar.

This tray is amazing and makes preparation a breeze. Pre-sliced cheese in a few different varieties means that you can appease all of your guests in one ready-made tray! Let your guests have fun creating their own cracker stackers to enjoy when ready.

I also love changing the depth of the table based on serving dishes. Think crackers in mason jars, silvers, whites, and golds mixed together!

2. Pair appetizers with fun bite-size desserts.

One of the other elements of appetizer and dessert parties is that guests can contribute a small dish with ease. In addition to your build-it-yourself appetizers, put together a few bite-size desserts that your guests can enjoy the flavors of throughout the evening.

This easy mini-strawberry shortcake is so simple to make! You will need ready-made phyllo cups (freezer section), fresh strawberries, and whipped cream. Simply dollop each cup with whipped cream and serve with a strawberry on top. Freeze for an extra-special touch.

3. Keep decor simple

Leftover wrapping paper? Use festive colors for a fun tablescape backdrop. Repurpose holiday serving trays for a night of fun festivities in. Purchase simple white tablecloths for guests to write their New Year’s resolutions and 2015 memories in so that everyone can share in the past and future of the New Year!

Another way to inexpensively dress up your tablescape is to take plastic drink flutes and add a splash of glitter. These are extremely simple, liven up the table, and your guests will love toasting to the New Year in style.

First, use a brush to spread glue on the stem and base of your plastic flute. Then, sprinkle over a tupperware dish with the glitter and shake excess off.

Let dry completely and watch your table sparkle! Pair with chilled sparkling grape juice. Cheers!

4. Provide entertainment for all ages.

Whether you’re showing movies or playing games, if kids are involved, be sure to have fun things for all members of the family to do! The surest way for the whines to increase is a lack of fun things to do, so make sure you’re guests have plenty of ways to have fun!

Ready to start your simple New Year’s Eve preparation? Head to Walmart for everything you need, including this Cracker Barrel cheese tray found in the deli section. Walmart makes it easy to find PLUS puts it right near the sausage you will need also! Great for entertaining!

You can find more awesome holiday recipes using Kraft products here. Look for other great savings on Kraft Heinz products. You can save up to $13 this holiday season!

What are your favorite ways to keep the “Whine” out of New Year’s Eve celebrations?