New Year’s Eve is the perfect occasion to gather friends and family, indulge in delightful treats, and celebrate the promise of a new beginning. If you’re planning a house party, the key to making it unforgettable lies in curating a thoughtfully planned menu that dazzles the senses while keeping the mood festive and fun.
Aesthetics are big this festive season, having taken over instagram and Pinterest by a storm already. Latest party food trends are pretty looking bite sized food, interesting takes on charcuterie boards and holiday special cocktails, says Chef Sangram Samra, founder of Staple Delhi. “We are all in for this trend and can recommend fun snacks like mini vada paos, guacamole and papad (skipping the usual chips!), fried chicken sliders and Yule inspired cocktails to elevate your holiday party snack game. Fun DIY ideas would be to leverage your pantry staples and combine them with quirky local flavors found in our home style chutneys and infused oils,” he says.
A party is incomplete without some good crunch and spice. Instead of big meals, you could go for small plates adding dishes like galouti kebabs (for vegetarians, mushroom works wonders in kebabs!), tikkas and stuffed kulchas. Do not miss out on hero condiments such as some crunchy papad, soft brioche buns and masala onions to go with these yummy dishes, advices Sangram. Speaking about his top favourite ideas, he says, “At Staple, we rely big time on local flavours by combining them with popular dishes such as guacamole with Rajasthani garlic chutney, using some gondhoraj lime zest to our mayonnaise and splashing a few drops of our house chili oil on our best selling chorizo Momo. You can always rely on a good chicken/ veggie roast and ditch the deep fryer to air fry your snacks for healthify-ing your holiday indulgences.”
Make it exotic and healthy:
This festive season, Mediterranean-inspired party foods are taking center stage. Mezze platters with a creative twist—featuring items like beetroot hummus, spiced lamb koftas, and truffle-infused tzatziki — are incredibly popular, believes Gurjas Sahni, Founder at Loca - The Social. He mentions, “Bite-sized options like mini spanakopita, falafel sliders, offering vibrant flavours while keeping the party vibe alive. You can also create a DIY mezze station with colorful dips like beetroot hummus, baba ganoush, and muhammara, paired with whole-grain pita and veggie sticks. For a healthy twist, incorporate quinoa-stuffed veggies or Greek yogurt-based dressings instead of heavier options, making it both delicious and guilt-free.”
To elevate a Mediterranean-inspired party spread, focus on simple yet creative DIY ideas. For example, set up a build-your-own bruschetta bar with an assortment of healthy toppings like avocado, roasted peppers, feta, and olives. Warm dishes like baked halloumi, harissa-spiced lamb chops, or creamy mushroom risotto add a cozy touch to any menu.
Mezze platters with seasonal ingredients like roasted squash hummus or pomegranate-topped baba ganoush are perfect crowd-pleasers. Gurjas recommends, “For dessert, consider baklava with a drizzle of honey or spiced orange cake. Prepare dips, marinades, and baked goods a day in advance to save time. Focus on dishes that can be easily reheated or served at room temperature. Finally, ensure a balance of flavors and textures by including a mix of warm, crunchy, and creamy elements to keep your guests engaged.”
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