Food & Party

I don't know about you, but this year we're staying home for New Year's. After an early dinner at a neighborhood restaurant, we'll be heading back to our place, moving the furniture out of the way, and dancing the night away. This means we'll need fuel!

Time to dig out some of our favorite party appetizer recipes. I'm looking for quick, easy snacks -- but something a little more exciting than potato chips and onion dip. Something light that won't weigh us down. And maybe a few unexpected treats!

1. Red Pepper Hummus With Toasted Pita Triangles. If you've never tried making hummus, it's pretty easy -- give it a whirl!
2. Guacamole. Okay, it's "Super Bowl" guacamole, but this dip is a welcome guest all year 'round.
3. Blue Cheese Bacon Dip. Balance out the richness by dipping with carrots and celery.
4. Relish Tray. Here's how to do that tray of cut veggies all classy-like.
5. Smoky Red Devil Eggs. A wicked take on the Southern classic.
6. Cheese-Stuffed Mushrooms. From Paula Deen.
7. Panko Crusted Spinach Dip. Panko are Japanese bread crumbs that deliver the ultimate crunch. But if you can't find them at your grocery, any breadcrumbs will do.
8. Chevre Devils. For you adventurous eaters, dates stuffed with goat cheese and topped with a pecan.
9. Greek Salad Skewers. Tomato, cucumber, and feta cheese on a stick. Recipe includes an anchovy dressing, but bottled Italian dressing will also work.
10. Hasty Hots. Like garlic bread but with green onions.
11. Bruschetta. If you've never had these, they're kind of like mini-pizza on slices of baguette.
12. Dried Fruit Cheese Ball. A little sweet, a little tangy.
13. Pyllo Cups With Brie, Preserves, and Pecans. Another little bite with pecans -- and a secret ingredient from Ikea!
14. Bon Appetit Party Mix. Everything crunchy together in a bowl.
15. Chocolate Chip Coconut Bars. Something sweet? These are a variation on those "magic bars" everyone loves.

Are you hosting this New Year's Eve? Just having a quiet little party with the family?

Image via sirsnapsalot/Flickr