17 Yummy Bite-Sized Appetizer Recipes for Your NYE at Home

Drinks are definitely half the hype for any good NYE, and we venture to say that appetizers are the other half. With drinks in hand that means there's only one place to go for food: finger food. Thankfully there are lots of delicious bite-sized appetizers out there to keep yourself snacking until the clock strikes 12. So let's reserve the hands for epic dance moves (lawnmower, anyone!?) and party favors this year with these 17 bite-sized appetizers.

1. Crostini: If you are worried about feeding a crowd, crostini is definitely the way to go. Grab a couple loaves of crusty bread and just choose from your favorite toppings. (via Cheap Recipe Blog)

2. Chipotle Bacon Cheese Ball: Everybody loves a good cheese ball — and when it’s covered in bacon, how can you say no? (via Garnish With Lemon)

3. Bacon Guacamole Deviled Eggs: Surprise your guests with a delicious twist on a classic dish. It’s way classier than just serving guac with chips. (via The Crumbly Cake)

4. : This super-easy recipe makes your seafood last well past dinner. Less effort, more yum. (via )

5. Salted Chocolate Dipped Mandarin Slices: Please the guests with a sweet tooth by serving this decadent bite before dessert. Trust us, they’ll be gone really fast. (via Deliciously Yum)

6. Roasted Grapes and Balsamic Reduction with Cheese and Crackers: Cheese and crackers sure do make a wonderful hors d’oeuvre. But when you whip out these roasted grapes, you’ll become the culinary queen. (via Averie Cooks)

7. Baked Chicken Meatballs: Sure, you could buy the boring freezer section meatballs… or you could whip up these chicken ones for a healthier, homemade alternative. (via Smitten Kitchen)

8. Pretzel Bites With Beer Cheese Dip: We hope you make enough of these warm pretzel bites. We guarantee they’ll be gone in a flash and all your guests will be asking for more. (via Just Putzing Around The Kitchen)

9. Cheese Fondue: Remember what we said above about serving crostini? You can use lots of those same toppings to dip into this delicious cheesy fondue. (via The Law Student’s Wife)

10. Bloomin’ Onion: You’ll probably want to give this one a trial run a day or two before the party, just to make sure it’s delicious enough to serve. *wink wink* (via Yammie’s Noshery)

11. Mozzarella Sticks: There’s nothing that compares to a warm, crunchy, stringy mozzarella stick. It can be our little secret that the main, easy-peasy ingredient is actually string cheese. (via The Chic Site)

12. Sriracha Cheddar Popcorn: You probably hadn’t thought about serving popcorn as an appetizer for NYE, but these spicy-cheesy kernels make it all okay. (via The Food Charlatan)

13. Pistachio Crusted Cheese Log: Seriously, you won’t believe how easy this recipe is. The best part is that your friends won’t either. (via Heartbeet Kitchen)

14. Spinach Artichoke Canapés: It’s all about stir, spoon and bake right here. The fact that they turn out looking so pretty is a bonus. (via Challenger Sweets)

15. Pizza Wheels: Got kiddos coming to your party? Satisfy their appetites with these wheels of pizza goodness. (via Heat Oven to 350)

16. Hummus Trio: Here’s a healthy appetizer that gives an option for those guests worried about starting their New Year’s diets early. (via Superfood Recipes)

17. Bite-Sized Baked Brie: We all know that baked brie is a go-to fancy appetizer. Make it into finger food with this recipe. (via Joy The Baker)

What are your appetizer plans for New Year’s Eve? Send us your recipes below!

We truly can't argue with the greatness of bubbly. It's the quintessential celebratory sip, whether served on its own or in a decadent cocktail like this one. It feels like the most fitting drink for Christmastime entertaining and fabulous end-of-year celebrations. That's why you'll be reaching for this super easy Prosecco martini recipe when it comes to that New Years party you're planning. All you need to whip up a great entertaining drinkis your spirit of choice, some lemon, raspberries and of course, bubbles! Don't wait another minute to shake this sip up, everyone will love it.

Ingredients for Prosecco Martinis

  • 8 ounces vodka
  • 1 whole lemon, juiced
  • 8 ounces chilled Prosecco
  • 4 raspberries, for garnish
  • Lemon wedge, for the rim
  • Sparkly sprinkles, for the rim

How to Make Prosecco Martinis

  1. Take four martini glasses and rub each rim with a lemon wedge. Pour the sparkly sprinkles onto a plate and dip each rim in the sprinkles. Set aside.
  2. In a shaker, add in the vodka, lemon juice and ice and shake until chilled. Strain the mixture evenly in the martini glasses.
  3. Top each glass with the Prosecco and add in a raspberry in the glass or as a garnish on a cocktail pick. Serve immediately!

Check out more of our drink recipes for celebrating all year long!

Recipe development and photography by Sarah Anderson.

College and high school graduations are just around the corner, and you may be wondering what to get your favorite Gen Z grads. Luckily for you, we compiled a list of 15 fabulous graduation gifts for every price range that are guaranteed to put a smile on your graduate’s face!

Set of 4 Meal Prep Containers

Who doesn’t love pretty Tupperware? Whether your 2024 grad is a gym rat or a library lover, they will definitely find a good use for these air-tight, leak-proof containers.

Benevolence LA New Beginnings Scented Soy Candle

Send them off with this sweet-scented candle that celebrates their achievements, as well as the next steps ahead of them!

A Hundred Other Girlsby Iman Hariri-Kia

This book is like a modern day Devil Wears Prada, and would make the perfect gift for any grad going into journalism, media, or PR — especially if they’re moving to a big city.

Stanley Quencher H2.0

Hydration is key for anyone, especially a new college student that's running between classes, club meetings, and friend hangs! This tumbler will also keep their liquids cold overnight so they don't have to go down the dorm hall in the middle of the night for a fresh refill.

Dagne Dover Mila Repreve® Recycled Polyester Large Toiletry Organizer Bag

If you're sending off a high school grad to communal dorms, they'll definitely benefit from having a compact toiletry bag like this one. This style is particularly nice since it's made from recycled polyester that resists water and debris.

2024 Daily Planner

Using a planner is such an underrated way to stay organized, whether it's prepping for college coursework or adulting stuff like work events, grocery shopping, and plans with friends. This all-in-one daily planner will help your grad keep their ducks in a row with fields for all of life's details.

Honeywell Mini Cool Mist Humidifier

This humidifier, made especially for small rooms and personal spaces (ahem, dorm rooms!) helps maintain humidity levels between 40-60%, which can help relieve congestion and keep the throat and nasal passages hydrated to prevent sickness. This is crucial for soon-to-be college students who may hang around a lot of different people.​

Fresh Sends Flower Bouquet

Flowers are a staple for any major life event, especially a graduation! Fresh Sends is perfect for sending beautiful bouquets for those who live far away, since they ship directly to the recipient's door.

The Beast Mini Blender

This super-effective, high-power portable blender is the perfect size for a dorm room or small apartment, plus it's very aesthetically-pleasing even if it's just sitting on the shelf. It comes equipped with a screw-on lid and straw, too, so your grad can take it on walks and in the car.

Béis The Sport Backpack

Perfect for grads on the go, this bag can hold their water bottle, phone, wallet and so much more when they're trekking across campus.

Loop Quiet Equinox Earplugs

These design-forward earplugs are multipurpose – they block out extra noise for study sessions and sleep time, or even loud parties and concerts! Your grad will appreciate that they come with an easy-to-carry case for keeping them on-hand in unforeseen, noisy situations.

Crush Your Goals Inner Truth Affirmations Deck

For an extra dose of motivation, this 40-count deck of cards will keep them going when times get tough!

Keurig K-Mini Single-Serve K-Cup Pod Coffee Maker

Coffee will ​always ​be a part of any new grad's life. Keep 'em caffeinated with this convenient coffee maker that's compatible with K-Cups for everyday ease.

Hoka Clifton 9 Sneakers

Hokas are undoubtedly the cool girl of running shoes, and they will definitely make your grad hit the pavement smiling, no matter if they're stepping foot on their college campus for the first time or making big moves in a new city.

Great Jones The Starting Lineup

This trio of cookware is such a stylish way to give your recipient's post-grad kitchen an upgrade. All three pieces are oven-safe and dishwasher-friendly to make cleanup a breeze.

Find all of the greatest gifts with Brit + Co!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

This post has been updated with additional reporting by Meredith Holser.

The gift-giving holidays have come and gone. The menorah is safely tucked away, and the tree's lights are coming down. The year is done, and it's time to celebrate, but now that you're a mama it's time to nix the late-night New Year's Eve plans. Replace the old night of Champagne-fueled fabulousness with a New Year's Day of family fun. Check out these artsy ideas, treats, and family activities that keep the merriment going year after year!

Reflection Questions

You’ve had an entire year’s worth of moments to remember. That’s 365 days of laughter, surprises, sweetness, and so much more. Print out reflection cards, and use them to ask each other to name their bests, favorites, and most memorables of the year. Start when your kiddo is a baby, and keep going as they grow. In a few years your little one can start giving their own awesome answers. (via Artsy-Fartsy Mama)

Printable Party Hats

Print-and-color hats are so, so, so simple — and the kids will totally get into the craftiness of this New Year’s activity. Keep each year’s hat, adding to the collection. By the time your now-tot is ready to head off to college, you’ll have a stack of hats to reflect upon. (via MyPrintly)

Time Capsule

Reuse an old jar to magically transform it into a time capsule. Gather the family ‘round, fill the capsule with anything that’s memorable from the year before, seal it up, and set it aside for the future. Way, way, way into the future: The longer you wait to open it, the more fun it will be. (via Red Ted Art)

Milk and Cookies

It’s time to leave those frosted Santas and sprinkle-covered reindeer cookies behind. Start a New Year’s cookie tradition (and really, who doesn’t enjoy a tradition that revolves around cookies?) with homemade chocolate chip deliciousness and Champagne flutes filled with milk. Yum! (via Crystal & Co.)

Calling all foodies for this festive — and totally tasty — tradition. The littles love their pizza, but you’re not exactly up for a New Year’s ordered-in pie. So make your own: your own pizza

your own tradition. Each year, come up with a theme or a topping to try. Get kind of crazy and try unexpected recipes, such as a shaved asparagus pizza. Take pics of your mealtime creations year after year. (via Smitten Kitchen)

New Year’s Survey

Make something special that you and your kids can look back on throughout the new year. Help your tot to fill out a “survey” as an annual holiday tradition. Along with taking a look back at this year, you can browse the printed surveys decades from now when your kiddo has kids of their own! (via Simple Fun for Kids)

Homemade Hot Chocolate

Forget about the mimosa bar: It’s time for a new New Year’s Day drink. Set up an annual hot cocoa bar, making your own mixes (and adding your own mix-ins). Create a new signature hot chocolate flavor each year to keep this sweetly steamy tradition going. (via Brown Eyed Baker)

I have such a love/hate relationship with haircuts. While I love the feeling of a fresh look as much as the next girl, I hate having to spend $100+ for a simple cut and blow dry session. During my recent trim, I talked with my hairdresser, Jack Rehak of Jack’s Hair Design in Hinsdale, Illinois, about ways to keep a haircut looking new and best practices for keeping hair healthy. Here's what he had to say!

Here's How Often You Should Cut Your Hair, According To Professionals

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

I’ll admit it — it had been eight months since my last haircut. My hair had lost its shape, my layers were nowhere to be found, and my ends were begging for mercy. Life got busy over the last few months and I was neglecting my haircare like never before.

My hairdresser could immediately see that I was beyond due for a cut and said I needed to get more taken off than I was hoping. I was definitely disappointed — I'd been working on growing out my hair for a while now, and it just felt like my hard work had completely gone to waste. He explained that getting consistent haircuts is the key to growing out healthy and strong hair, rather than letting it grow and grow until it eventually breaks. So let's dig into the top three things you can do to avoid this scenario!

1. Just Get The Dang Haircut

Photo by RDNE Stock project/PEXELS

Also avoiding a haircut like I was? You might want to schedule one at your nearest salon. Like my stylist said, when you wait too long between trims like I did, you risk your hair becoming heavy, dull, and lifeless. When the hair is dry or even dead, it’s nearly impossible for it to hold a curl or style, essentially collapsing on you and taking on more and more heat damage all the while. I know the pain of spending time on a blowout only for it to fall minutes later — it’s the worst.

According to Jack, getting a haircut every 10-12 weeks is the best time frame or your ends will pay the price. Between blow-drying, curling, straightening, sun, and weather, our ends get dry and start to break without the proper care. Getting consistent haircuts allows hair to bounce back, shine, and perform the way we want in a healthy way.

2. Leave-In Conditioners Are Your Friend

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

His top piece of advice to keep your hair looking and feeling hydrated between trims? Invest in conditioning treatments. Jack swears by the Olaplex conditioning system, specifically the No 3 Hair Perfector. Made with patented OLAPLEX Bond Building Technology™, this conditioning treatment repairs and prevents damage in as little as three minutes. No 3 promises to reduce breakage and visibly strengthen hair, so it’s the perfect assistance to keep ends fresh between cuts. Another conditioning treatments I’ve used and loved for years is the Moroccanoil Intense Hydrating Mask, which is designed to restore moisture, elasticity, and shine to dry hair.

3. Switch Up Your Shampoos

Photo by Karolina Grabowska/PEXELS

Switching shampoos frequently is a pretty hot tip that I honestly hadn't thought of. Our hair gets used to the same products and grows tired of them, resulting in lackluster locks. Jack’s advice is to switch brands after finishing every bottle of shampoo to bring life back to your hair. Have two brands that you’re loyal to? Even switching back and forth between them after every bottle should make a big difference in your hair. I’m a huge fan of the R+Co Dallas Biotin Thickening Shampoo, which makes my hair look thick and full, as well as the Moroccanoil Hydrating Shampoo, which is so hydrating and gives so much shine.

Photo by cottonbro studio/PEXELS

In the end, navigating your back-and-forth relationship with haircuts often feels like a rollercoaster ride between wanting that fresh look and cringing at the receipt. Luckily, by using conditioning treatments and switching up your products,, you can keep your locks healthy, shiny, and full of life between trims. But take a newly learned lesson out of my book: don't let your ends pay the price for procrastination and just book the haircut.

If you need some more hair inspo and advice, be sure to sign up for our weekly email newsletter!

Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

Header image via Nataliya Vaitkevich/PEXELS

With Mother's Day around the corner, it's time to celebrate moms of all kinds, and step moms deserve some special recognition, too! If you're grappling with finding the perfect gift that expresses your love and gratitude for your step mom, these 20 gifts are the way to go. This curated list of thoughtful step mom gifts for Mother's Day will get you going on a gifting kick and make any step mom's heart swell with joy and appreciation. 💓

Rinna Beauty Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil

The glossiness of this lip oil alone will feel like a total gift! One swipe using the soft, sizable wand delivers a sheer tint of color, all while encouraging plumpness and moisture with its peptide formulation.

The Larger Than Life Lip Plumping Oil from Rinna Beauty comes in 5 other shades for $24 on Amazon.

Anthropologie Faye Planter

For the step mom with an undeniable green thumb, this decorative purple planter from Anthropologie makes repotting process super fun! Dotted in adorable outdoor creature and plant motifs, the pot is not only practical, but looks good, too. It measures about 8 inches in diameter to fit a variety of small house plants.

The Faye Planter is currently on sale for $31 (was $44) for a limited time.

Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Cotton Checkered Throw

She's gonna want to live in this cozy throw blanket 24/7. It's crafted from a blend of Barefoot Dreams' CozyChic material and a light cotton for added breathability. The light, neutral checkered pattern makes it the perfect match for any space!

This stylish throw, made to last a lifetime, goes for $148 from Barefoot Dreams.

DedCool Room & Linen Spray

Think of this spray as an instant refresh for any bedroom, bathroom, or living room, supplying a saturated scent of bergamot, vanilla, and amber. It's also compatible to spritz on sheets, blankets, and pillows to create a soothing atmosphere every time your step mom comes home!

The DedCool Room & Linen Spray comes in two other scents for $40.

Compartés Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers 20-Piece Truffle Gift Box

When all your other gift ideas fail, there's nothing wrong with chocolate! This truffle box is perfectly elevated to give as a standalone gift – it's impressively decorated and seamlessly packaged for a memorable Mother's Day treat. Some of the spring-inspired flavors included are: raspberry rose, lavender, poppy seed, and passionfruit.

The Mother's Day Chocolate Flowers gift box is $60 and comes with 20 gourmet truffles.

Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer

This moisturizer delivers 24-hour hydration with a dense formula of peptides, hyaluronic acid, squalane, and glycerin. It has a lightweight yet creamy feel, perfect for slathering on under SPF and makeup. Your step mom's skin will absolutely soak this clinically-proven cream up, and she'll be feeling like a new woman every single time she puts it on!

The Fig.1 Ceramide Moisturizer goes for $32 and is also refillable once it's fully used up.

Little Secret Round Sunglasses

Keep her lookin' so cool with a pair of trendy sunnies! This timeless style from Free People channels the 90's and makes for chic everyday eyewear with any outfit.

The Little Secret Round Sunglasses are shoppable in 5 other colors for $30.

The Pioneer Woman 3-Piece Floral Check Ceramic Lidded Bowl Set

Your step mom's serving, baking, and cooking projects just got such a stylish upgrade! This trio of checkered ceramic bowls designed by The Pioneer Woman make every dish look stunning, plus each one comes equipped with a decorative wooden lid for convenient storage.

This 3-piece bowl set goes for $33 at Walmart.

Sand + Fog Pistachio Dream Eau De Parfum Oil

This perfume oil can be used sparingly – meaning it'll last a long time – and delivers delicious notes of pistachio, vanilla, brown sugar, and cream to make step mom smell like a total treat. She won't want to go a day without putting some on!

This perfume is $13 at Marshall's.

Versed Total Package SPF 30 Body Lotion

This body lotion is really a 2-in-1 deal: hydrating and protective against the sun. It's packed with SPF 30 to give the skin a light shield against harmful UV rays, all while replenishing moisture with a delightfully-smelling mix of cupuaçu butter and grapeseed oil. It's not sticky or oily at all!

The Versed Total Package body lotion is $20 at Target.

Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals

These trendy slip-on sandals from Maeve are the epitome of cool girl style for summertime. Your step mom will be stepping out looking so good with these as a gift! The upper is made from durable leather, while the sole is a comfortable rubber material to withstand walking.

The Maeve Buckle Slide Sandals are shoppable in 4 other colors and are on sale for $104 (was $130) for a limited time.

Chamberlain Coffee Strawberry Matcha Latte Mix

Switch up her morning routine with this deliciously sweet matcha mix from Chamberlain Coffee! It's earthy, fruity, and made with oat milk for otherworldly creaminess. All it requires is some hot water, a good froth, and from there, your step mom can customize her sip with more milk or creamer.

This drink mix goes for $19 at Target.

L.L. Bean Open-Top Boat and Tote

This classic tote bag from L.L. Bean is the perfect vehicle for carrying work essentials, groceries, clothing, and more! It can be ordered in small, medium, large, or extra-large sizes, with the option for short or long straps.

This bag comes in 11 other colors. The small size is $30 and the extra-large is $45.

Ban.do Oven Mitt Pot Holder Set

For the step mom that loves all things colorful, this oven mitt + pot holder set will bring some joy into her kitchen set-up. Both are crafted from cotton with quilted stitching and feature small loops for easy hanging.

The duo is shoppable for $30 from Ban.do.

Auburn Home 3-Piece Glass Taper Candle Holders

These funky candle holders can go together as a set, or spread out around the house for a unique touch. Bundle them with some taper candles to complete the gift!

This colorful trio goes for $25 at Marshall's.

Verloop Raffia Phone Sling

Any on-the-go step mom will appreciate this convenient phone sling for its carrying capabilities, but it's also supremely stylish! The bright colorway is summertime's perfect match, so she can take it along for vacations and outdoor outings alike. The thin shoulder strap is adjustable in length so she can find the best fit for her needs.

The Verloop Raffia Phone Sling is shoppable in three other colors for $38.

Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set

Gift sets are always a good bet if you're stuck on what to get your step mom for Mother's Day. This luxe 4-piece set from Osea comes complete with body butter, body oil, body balm, and body scrub (all inside a cute zip bag) so she can treat herself to a full-on spa day right at home!

The Osea Bestsellers Bodycare Set is $52 (a $78 value).

UrbanStems The Parade Bouquet

Flowers are welcome any time of year, but a gorgeous bouquet like this one is so fitting for Mother's Day. With UrbanStems, you can select a specific delivery date, and your step mom will receive a fresh grouping, ready to display at home!

The Parade Bouquet is $60, with the option to add a vase for $15+.

Material Kitchen The Cloud Pitcher

Whether it's used for a batched cocktail or a big serving of iced coffee, this stylish glass pitcher from Material Kitchen is a statement piece to be reckoned with. The glass is surprisingly light for transport, and it's dishwasher-safe for added convenience after the fact!

The Cloud Pitcher comes in three other colors for $95.

Ban.do Meal Planner

This meal planner pad is *the* way to keep track of what she'll make and when she's gonna eat it. It has three lines for each day of the week, plus a roomy list for ingredients she may be missing.

This meal planner is $15 from Ban.do and has 50 sheets.

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