The Simplest New Years Eve Party Ever

Instead of throwing a big bash to ring in the New Year, just keep it simple, and focus on celebrating!

Invite a few friends over for a New Years Eve dessert. Each person (or family) can bring a different dessert. You can provide the coffee and eggnog, and let others know they can bring something else if they so desire.

Create a simple buffet for the desserts to go on. We had some friends and family over for a simple 'Twas the Night Before Christmas party, and this was my dessert buffet. We had appetizers and desserts, so the drinks and apps were in the kitchen, and the desserts were in the dining room. It gave us the chance to spread out a bit.

Your buffet could be on a counter, an island, a table, a side board, a mantle... whatever space you feel works best in your home. Pull out all those leftover Christmas goodies that seem to never end, and put them on a fancy tray. Suddenly, you'll see them disappear... which is always a good thing around here!

The important thing to remember when you're designing your display is to create different levels. This creates a more interesting arrangement, and also allows people a little more room when they go to reach for their goodies. If you don't have tiered serving pieces, you can always place a tray on a few books to add a little height.

Set out serving utensils to go with each platter or tray, so that when people arrive with their dessert, you won't be swamped with trying to find the right serving piece for each tray.

The nice thing about having people over on New Years, is that your house is already decorated, so why not enjoy it with your friends! Hope each of you have a great New Years, and I can't wait to celebrate 2011 with you!

Linking up with Simple Pleasures.