9 Easy, Elegant New Year’s Eve Appetizers

If there’s one classic New Year’s Eve appetizer, it’s this: tiny rounds of blini, topped with a dollop of cream and beads of opulent black caviar.

Beef tartare is simple to prepare; the important can’t-miss step is to make sure you start out with fresh, high-quality beef. This stunning version, which is presented on a salt plank, is sure to be a conversation-starter.

Crostini with Beef Tenderloin, Caramelized Onions and Blue Cheese

Here, the combination of beef tenderloin, caramelized onions and creamy, pungent blue cheese achieve a perfect savory balance.

Served on a bed of crushed ice, this dish is as stunning as it is easy to prepare. The mignonette sauce—a classic accompaniment to raw oysters—gets a flavor boost from fresh tarragon.

For the vegetarian or nutritionally-conscious eater, offer a personal-sized vegetable dish like these crudité cups with a ranch-like chive crème fraîche for dipping.

Seafood enthusiasts will flip for this Asian-inspired tuna tartare. To transform them into a finger food, serve them on Asian rice crackers.

These hors d’oeuvres are made of only three ingredients—olives, peppers and anchovies—so they couldn’t be more basic to assemble. They pack a spicy, salty punch, and would be perfect for a classic cocktail such as a vodka or gin martini.

Like the basic black dress, this classic dish is always in style at cocktail parties. Serve with wooden picks, an easy tartar sauce and fresh lemon wedges.

The best thing about these creamy, olive tapenade-topped crostini is that the bulk of the dish can be prepared up to two days in advance and assembled right before serving.