This New Year’s Eve, conjure optimism. Think: lights everywhere, because lighting is everything. Dim the ones you have; light the candles. Think: fresh flowers or greenery. Consider: Drinks. Are you mixing a special drink, crafting an elegant appetizer?
Whether you’re hosting a small gathering or just a friend or two, add little festive touches where you can: shrimp cocktail; oysters; beef tenderloin; silky pots de crème. Make it sit-down or a casual buffet. (Which is easier on you? Do that.)
2020 and 2021 have been no joke, folks; let’s stay as light, bright and glass-half-full as we can. Here’s a menu to conjure good luck in the new year.
Sparkling Cocktail
There are all sorts of lovely ways to do NYE cocktails, but we tend to like the ones that bubble. The Ritz 110 is one such fabulous drink. Created by the Ritz London hotel bartender to celebrate 110 years of the posh Mayfair establishment, the spirited sparkler infuses champagne with hints of peach and orange. The nod to seasonal fruit is as welcome as its sprightly, mood-lifting qualities.
Appetizers
Cheese Board
If you’re just hosting a small event, like a happy hour or an after-dinner hour, a beautifully laid-out cheese board can go a long way. We especially love the ones brimming with a thoughtful selection of dried fruit (figs, plums, pears, persimmons). Fancy nuts can also be a nice touch. This lovely collection boasts both.
Baked Brie and Cranberry Relish Puff Pastry Bites
Move over, baked Brie. Baked Brie with cranberry relish is equally good on Thanksgiving and New Year’s Eve, it turns out! It stars our sweet-tart, apple-orange cranberry relish and frozen puff pastry, a boon to the stressed host. Yum, yum.
Shrimp with Cocktail Sauce
Yes, yes and more yes. As is true of oysters on the half shell or a fancy celery root soup with truffle oil, shrimp cocktail always delivers pure joy. (True story: Some of us RSVP “yes” just for this, when we see it on the invite!)
Main
Beef Tenderloin with Shallot and Syrah Reduction
Just a reminder that beef tenderloin with shallot and Syrah reduction needs just 45 minutes to make it on to your December 31st dinner table. And darling, you’re worth it. Do be sure to have something green on that table, too, like this little green bean bundles or a big green salad.
Bacon-Wrapped Green Bean Bundles
A favorite of our customers for many years, these individually wrapped bundles are simple and elegant. Make them in advance and rewarm just before serving.
Dessert
Chocolate Pots De Crème
Whether it’s got Amaretto and hazelnuts or a sprightly bit of sea salt, chocolate pots de crème is just always good. (Bonus: You can make it ahead.) Too much at the end of that epic feast? Go with its citrus-y sibling.
