Entertaining

12 last-minute recipe ideas for New Year’s celebrations

These one plate wonders will make a statement!
John Canelis on Unsplash

Whether you’re out visiting or welcoming friends and family to your own home, our round up of quick and easy canapés, salads and snacks will get the party started.

1. The perfect cheese platter

A bountiful cheese platter can knock the socks of anyone arriving at a party – here’s how to impress and indulge with yours.

Get the lowdown here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Cath Muscat)

2. Pork scratchings with spiced apple sauce

These crunchy strips of pork crackling will be the party favourite.

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Nicky Ryan)

3. Tuna, ginger & herb cakes with yoghurt sauce

Fresh and tasty, these make scrumptious finger food.

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Cath Muscat)

4. Pete Evans’ Watermelon & feta salad

This fresh salad looks so pretty in a bowl – simply chop and toss. If you have the time and inclination, place single serves on individual spoons.

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: NICKY RYAN) (Credit: Nicky Ryan)

5. Vegetarian tacos: Pico de gallo and avocado

The perfect summer dish from the brand new book by Ricardo Amare del Castillo’s latest book ‘Tacos’ – read our interview with the author here

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: TACOS by Ricardo Amare del Castillo)

6. Red salad with crumbled goats cheese

A simple salad that gives a colourful addition to any feast.

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Photography Chris Warnes / Styling John Mangila)

7. Steamed greens with candied pecans

So easy to do last minute to take crunchy seasonal greens to the next level!

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Photography Chris Warnes / Styling John Mangila)

8. Parmesan crumbed chicken strips

An all-time favourite HB recipe, these crowd-pleasers are snack-sized portions of portable yummies.

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Cath Muscat)

9. Mello’ Poppins cocktail recipe

A glass full of freshly squeezed watermelon juice combined with vodka and Aperol

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: The Grounds)

10. Raspberry sorbet wine spritzer

Because you’re never too old for sherbet.

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: Wizz Fizz)

11. Gooey chocolate meringues

The ultimate sweet treat, meringues are simple to make, either ahead of time or last minute for a chewy texture.

Get the recipe here.

Last minute recipes: 11 easy entertaining ideas for New Year’s | Home Beautiful Magazine Australia
(Credit: NICKY RYAN)

12. Quick and easy canapes

A canape is the perfect bite-sized sweet or savoury morsel to serve with cocktails or when guests arrive for dinner. They may look sophisticated, but they’re oh-so simple! Here are 6 canape recipes to add to your repertoire.

Smoked salmon blini with ricotta and chives
(Credit: Photography: Con Poulos / Styling: Parvarne Lambert)

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