Make your New Year’s Eve celebration a breeze by serving appetizer boards you can assemble ahead of time. That way, everyone’s entertained and you get to have fun, too.

cheese and nut and fruit board
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Fruit, nuts and cheese fill this platter with succulent goodness. Tuck in some herb sprigs for a decorative touch.

cheese meat and olive platter
Photo by Erik Dungan on Unsplash

On a typical charcuterie board, smoked and cured meats are the stars. These are usually accompanied by cheeses and other yummy bites such as almonds, olives, gherkin pickles, jams, and spreads. Include a large baguette or a basket of crostini and you’ve got a well-rounded appetizer platter.

nut and fruit and spread board
Photo by Siami Tan on Unsplash

If you’re serving a selection of wines at your gathering, a selection of cheeses make a great companion board. Check out these serving suggestions, then fill out your cheese board with fruits, nuts, and fruit breads and spreads.

veggies, pita and tangy spread
Photo by Regina Barker on Unsplash

Make a dip the star of your board. Place it in the center and surround it with crackers, crostini or pita. Fill in with fresh fruit and sliced vegetables. Try this simple spinach dip for a start.

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 16 oz container sour cream
  • 1 1.8 oz package Knorr dry leek soup mix
  • 1 4 oz can water chestnuts, drained and chopped
  • 1/2 10 oz package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained

In a medium bowl, mix together mayonnaise, sour cream, dry leek soup mix, water chestnuts and chopped spinach. Chill in the refrigerator 6 hours, or overnight.

platter of grapes
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Simple is always good. Try this color-themed tray filled with sliced fruit, bite-size cheese balls, olives, grapes, cherries and water crackers.

veggie tray grouped by color

Opt for a healthy option with this brilliant veggie board. See the ingredients and other platter ideas here.

platter layered with sweet and savory appitizers
Photo by Brooke Lark on Unsplash

Don’t forget dessert! Put together a sweets board with cookies, chocolates, candy, fruit and nutty spreads.

bagel platter

If you have overnight guests (with a late-night party and lots of libations, chances are good!), treat them to a delicious bagel brunch with this divine board assembled by food stylist Meg Quinn.

Looking for advice on board assembly and presentation? Try these easy tips. Have fun and a happy new year!

© Caruth Studio