Hey, Reader!
Can you believe 2026 is almost here? I'm still trying to recover from the Christmas festivities, so there's no way I'm ready to spend my day in the kitchen creating a culinary masterpiece.
Luckily, there are plenty of recipes that can wow without a heavy lift from you. From snacks to sippers, these are some of my favorites that come together quickly and are always crowd-pleasers:
cranberry brie bites
With a touch of holiday flavor, these brie bites are sure to impress! They're easy to make, but always receive rave reviews. Plus, they're easy to serve — no cutting and serving required!
champagne cocktails
Dress up a pour of bubbly with just a few ingredients you probably already have at the bar. Add your favorite bitters, a sugar cube and your choice of vodka or brandy for an elevated drink worth toasting to.
charcuterie board
Charcuterie boards are a party staple. They're easy to customize based on your audience with plenty of opportunities to add flair fitting for the celebration. If crafting a board is intimidating, charcuterie cups are a great alternative.
french 75
You only need three ingredients to craft this bubbly sipper, making it perfect for last-minute celebrations or simple gatherings. Plus, there are plenty of variations that are equally as tasty.
spinach artichoke dip
You only need 30 minutes and five ingredients to have this appetizer ready to enjoy, making it a win in my book. Pair it with the dippers of your choice and get ready to watch it disappear!
If you need more suggestions of things to sip on as the ball drops, there are plenty of cocktails and mocktails ready for a celebration!
Happy (almost) New Year!
Susannah