tips for throwing a simple but special NYE at home

This post is sponsored by Whole Foods Market . Must be 21+ to purchase alcohol, drink responsibly.

When I was a freshman in college (a looong time ago!), I had to have a minor ankle surgery over winter break. While the procedure was minor, it meant I would be laid up for New Year’s Eve.

My bestie took mercy on me and stayed in with me. We dressed up cute, grabbed some snacks and decor, and threw ourselves a totally memorable low-key party. Much to my surprise, what should have been a total downer of a night turned into the best New Year’s Eve I’d ever had.

That was the year I discovered that, for me, low-key was the best way to ring in the year.

This especially holds true today as a mom of three. After the craziness of the Christmas holiday and lots of travel to visit family, the whole family is ready for a relaxed night in.

But, it has to be special.

Don’t get me wrong, I love to throw a good party. The good news is, it doesn’t take much to make your gathering low-key fancy. Especially when you can get everything you need from your local Whole Foods Market.

KEEP IT SIMPLE (BUT SPECIAL)

Any good party starts with a menu plan, and I’m all about keeping it simple for New Year’s Eve. Try choosing a main dish with a wow factor. Then, complement it with easy and delicious sides and appetizers.

Start with simple appetizers.

Nothing beats a cheese board with salami and crackers. Here I used La Quercia Salami with Uplands Cheese Rush Creek Reserve.

Serve this cheese up all warm and gooey with Divina Roasted Tomatoes on top. Mmmm…

And, in my family, it’s not a party without crudités and olives! For an easy app with extra crunch, try Terra Original Veggies Chips.

Make an easy dip for both with a cup of Crème Fraiche, one tablespoon of fresh chives, a wedge of fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If desired, add a teaspoon of dijon or horseradish to take it up a notch!

For the main dish, nothing says, “wow” quite like fresh, sustainable wild-caught crab legs. Drizzled in butter, herbs and a wedge of lemon, I can’t think of a better way to start the new year!

DRESS IT UP

You can create a low-key fancy ambiance at home with just a few simple details, like a shiny bunting, a touch of sequins, inexpensive party horns, and confetti popper place holders.

The right desserts dress up any meal, especially those of the chocolate variety. We’re loving Ethel’s Baking Co. Dessert Bars, and Whole Foods Market Organic Chocolate Truffles.

HAVE FUN

It just wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve without resolutions and a kiss at midnight.

To capture your goals for the new year, get creative by providing pens and paper, or old magazines to lay out your visual plan for the coming year. Or, grab that letter board and lay them out for all to see!