A New Year's Eve party is definitely not the party to be toiling away in the kitchen while your guests enjoy themselves-- without you. Start the Celebration Decide on a food theme. A theme could be as simple as gourmet, homestyle, casual, a dinner party Set-up an appetizer bar.  This is a good way to stay out of the kitchen Prep the various ingredients ahead of time and serve at room temperature Arrange the buffet table and let it do the work for you.  All you do is refill empty platters When choosing your New Year's Eve menu, choose spicy, salty foods - these go especially well with sweet  or tart drinks "Fancy" drinks are extra-special, but make sure you have enough mixers for plain drinks.  See tips on purchasing alcohol and other information.

• Use colored sugar or salt on the rims of glasses by adding a few drops of food coloring to sugar or salt

• Use superfine or castor sugar for the rims
  

• Rim glasses with finely crushed hard, fruity candy such as Jolly Ranchers, Life Savers, peppermints or flavored mints.  Use a food processor or smash with a mallet in a plastic bag.

• To rim glasses with candy, sugar or salt: Place ingredient in a large flat plate.  Moisten the glass with lemon, lime, orange juice or water.  Allow to dry briefly.

• Put whole or crushed candy in the bottom of the drink - not too much, you don't want to change the taste of the drink

• Use sugar cubes, pineapple, kiwi cubes, dried or fresh cranberries and, dried apricots as change-of-pace drink garnishes

• Find inexpensive ice cube molds, swivel sticks, party umbrellas and at your local dollar store

• Martinis by the Pitcher
• Easy Make Ahead Frozen Margaritas
• Creamsicles or Dreamsicles
• Sparkling Wine Cocktails
• Holiday Eggnog or Easy-Does-It 'Nog
• Hot Cider for a Crowd
  

More recipe and menu ideas