Traditional New Year's Eve Food Ideas

By: Robin Raven

Break Studios Contributing Writer

If you are going to be a hostess as you bring in the new year, consider making these traditional New Year's Eve food ideas. Most people are in a mood to party on the last day of the year, in hopes of starting anew as the new year begins. Make the most of this night of indulgence by serving rich fare that's tantalizing to the taste buds and beautiful to look at against the party backdrop.

Make black-eyed peas and rice for a simple, classic side dish on New Year's Eve. Although the legend has it that one should eat black-eyed peas on New Year's Day for luck, get an early start on the festivities with this traditional fare. Mix up tradition with some added spices, or mix it with rice.
Serve grapes to your guests in honor of a Spanish tradition for New Year's. If you want to switch it up, mix them in a fruit salad that's grape-based or put them on skewers with other fruit pieces. They can end up being a delicious and fun party food.
Serve donuts for a delicious, traditional New Year's Eve food treat. Many cultures, such as the Dutch, eat ring-shaped treats on New Year's for luck. That's because these foods represent coming full circle and starting anew for the new year.
On New Year's Eve, serve traditional Mardi Gras foods, such as moon pies. The reason for this is because Mardi Gras was the traditional holiday of feasting before the fasting of lent. At the new year, many friends are likely to be starting diets or making resolutions to eat healthier. Indulge at a New Year's Eve party as a way of saying good-bye to some of the less-than-healthy food options and indulgences. It's a modern tradition that's growing in popularity.
Bring Asian traditional New Year's Eve foods to your party. Several Asian cultures continue a long-held tradition of eating long noodles at New Year's celebrations. These long noodles are symbols for a long life. There is a catch: make sure that the noodle doesn't break before it's completely in your mouth.
Serve red cabbage for New Year's Eve. That stems from German New Year's traditions. Liven it up by using the red cabbage as a wrap. Wrap it around veggie burgers for a great-tasting and healthy snack at the party.