"If there’s one time of year that calls for celebration, it’s undeniably New Year’s Eve. After all, making it through one year and starting a new one is a big deal, and throwing or attending a house party is one of the best ways to celebrate. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to be anywhere near a crowded bar or club on New Year’s—I’d much rather be at home with my besties, snacking on a spread of appetizers and sipping a glass of sparkling wine. To make your party prep easier this December 31, I’ve rounded up some of my favorite Trader Joe’s items that will elevate any New Year’s Eve party. Regardless of whether you’re hosting or attending, these TJ’s treats are sure to be a hit. Keep scrolling for some delicious Trader Joe’s items that are perfect for a New Year’s Eve party.
1. Pastry Bites with Feta Cheese and Carmelized Onions
This classy hors d’oeuvre option is equal parts unique and effortless. A win for any busy hostess, these pastry bites are pre-made and ready to eat in about 25 minutes. After baking them in the oven, arrange them on a serving platter for a bite-sized appetizer that looks fancy enough to be homemade.
2. Garlic & Asiago Cheese Dip
Where I’m from, it’s not a party without at least one cheese dip. This one, made with garlic and asiago cheese, is sure to be a crowd-pleaser. To make it look a little fancier, take it out of the packaging and place it in an oven-safe dish before baking. Your guests will 100% be asking for the recipe.
3. Sparkling Pomegranate Punch
If you’re sick of the same old beverages, use this sparkling punch in lieu of your go-to sodas and juices. Fizzy, bubbly, and fruity, it’s delicious straight from the can or as a festive main ingredient in a cocktail or mocktail.
4. Double Crème Brie with Truffles
Ring in the new year like a French girl with this decadent brie cheese. Made with authentic French truffles, this cheese has a rich, earthy flavor that’ll instantly level up any cheese board.
5. Fig & Olive Crisps
Reminiscent of toasted bread slices and loaded with flavor, these crackers are a must for any party. Set them out with a charcuterie board or a selection of dips, or slather some soft cheese, candied pecans, and a tiny drizzle of honey on them ahead of time for ready-to-go finger food.
6. Jingle Jangle
Trader Joe’s Jingle Jangle is a huge hit around the holidays, but it’s not just for Christmas. The mix of chocolate-covered treats is the perfect thing to dump into a bowl (or serve straight out of the tin) at your New Year’s Eve party. Just be sure to stock up soon because this item tends to sell out quickly.
7. 5 Cheese Greek Spiral
This Trader Joe’s frozen appetizer will be the centerpiece of your New Year’s Eve spread. It’s made of buttery, flaky pastry with a gooey cheese filling, and the spiral shape makes it look extra special. Your guests will definitely be coming back for seconds of this one.
8. Mini Chocolate Mousse Desserts
A New Year’s Eve party is undoubtedly the time to celebrate with an indulgent treat. This mousse comes with ready-to-serve individual portions, each one filled with multi-layered chocolatey goodness. To fully enjoy that fluffy, airy texture, be sure to defrost these babies for a couple of hours in the fridge before serving.
9. Burrata
Hand-formed using traditional Italian production methods, Trader Joe’s burrata is rich, creamy, and buttery soft. Pair it alongside other decadent meats and cheeses on your charcuterie board or place it over a bed of fresh arugula and tomatoes and drizzled balsamic vinegar on top for a stunning salad option. No matter how you use it, this versatile cheese will not disappoint.
10. Mini Quiche Duo
These mini quiches are a quintessential finger food that requires little to no prep. What’s more, the package comes with a dozen mini quiches with two flavorful fillings: mushroom and Swiss or bacon and sweet onion. Pop these in the oven right before your guests arrive—they only take 10 minutes to bake!
11. Lemon Elderflower Soda
For those who aren’t imbibing this New Year’s Eve, it’s a good idea to have some non-alcoholic options on hand. Infused with lemon and elderflower flavors, this sparkling beverage is booze-free but still appropriately festive—especially if you top your glass with a slice of lemon or a sprig of mint.
12. Cranberry Chèvre Goat Cheese
Regular goat cheese? Not this year. Instead, opt for goat cheese that’s wrapped in sweetened cranberries to create a festive flavor profile on par with the season. Serve this chèvre alongside crackers and bread for your guests to snack on or use it to whip up a fun recipe like these puff pastry bites.
13. Spinach & Kale Greek Yogurt Dip
If you need an easy appetizer option to complete your spread, this dip has got you covered. Spoon it into a bowl and serve it with some tortilla chips, crackers, or veggies for a crowd-pleasing snack everyone will think was homemade.
14. 1,000 Day Gouda Cheese
This isn’t your average gouda. Produced in the Netherlands and aged for nearly three years, it has a texture similar to parmesan and a nutty, caramelly flavor that’s totally unique. Set it out on a cheese board with a variety of different crackers, cured meats, and fruits or spreads—it’ll taste good with just about anything.
15. Kalua Pork Spring Rolls
Transport yourself to Hawaii this New Year’s Eve with these savory spring rolls. Made with shredded pork, noodles, and an assortment of veggies, this tropical-inspired treat is bound to be a hit.
16. Family Style Meat Lasagna
If I’m being honest, there’s never a bad time to eat lasagna. However, it’s especially comforting on a cold winter night. And if you’re hosting an intimate gathering this New Year’s Eve, this fully cooked pre-made lasagna from Trader Joe’s is the perfect meal to serve for a cozy year-end gathering.
17. Gluten Free Madeleine Cookies
No gathering is complete without dessert, and this no-fuss option is reminiscent of the conventional madeleine cookies you’d find at a Parisian patisserie. Don’t let their allergy-friendly label fool you—they’re just as good as their traditional counterparts and pair effortlessly with an after-dinner coffee or tea.
18. Platinum Reserve Brut Sparkling Wine
And last but not least, don’t forget the bubby. Champagne and New Year’s Eve are practically synonymous, and this budget-friendly sparkling wine doesn’t hold back on flavor. Ripe with a light fruity flavor that goes down easy, you and your guests will gladly toast to the new year with this under-$15 option.
Arianna Reardon, Contributing Writer
Arianna is a Rhode Island native, professional blogger, and freelance writer. She’s passionate about helping women develop healthy relationships with money, become financially independent, and invest in themselves for the future. Arianna is a firm believer in going after what you want, taking time to stop and smell the roses, and the importance of a good cocktail.
Jessica Friedhoff, Senior Lifestyle Editor
Jessica Friedhoff is the Senior Lifestyle Editor at The Everygirl, where she oversees the Home & Living category of the site. She writes and edits stories across a broad range of topics including decorating, food, entertaining, travel, and more. With a pulse on the latest trends, she uses her eye for detail and design to create timely, inspiring content for our readers.