How To Host New Years Eve

Whether you’re planning a big bash or a night in with the family, we’ve got everything you’ll need to celebrate in delicious style. Plan your perfect NYE night in with our foodie ideas, recipes and tips.

Assistant Copywriter

Florence Head

Hosting made easy

Having a get-together with tipples and nibbles? Check out our New Year’s Eve recipes, starting with these three quick bruschetta topping ideas to create a platter of crowd-pleasing canapés in just 10 minutes. Serve up crab in zingy Sicilian lemon mayonnaise, beetroot-cured salmon, and Bloody Mary cheese on toast – these recipes make the most of our favourite Foodhall finds, so you can cut down on prep time and amp up the flavour. If you’re after an easy make-ahead party bite, try these three ‘sausage’ roll ideas. Simply keep them in the freezer, then pop them on a baking tray, glaze with egg wash, and bake.

Grazing board ideas

Get party-ready

This New Year's, elevate your party with bites that pack a flavour punch. Hosting is made easy with these bite-sized beauties, all part of our four-for-three mix-and-match deal. Choose from Mini Coquille St Jacques, featuring delicate Patagonian scallops in a creamy white wine sauce, topped with Barber's vintage Cheddar and chive breadcrumbs. And don’t miss our new Halloumi in Blankets – melty halloumi cheese wrapped in oak and chestnut-smoked streaky bacon, served with an on-trend hot honey drizzle. The best part? All of our party food cooks at 180°C, making it simple and stress-free when you’re entertaining your guests.

Discover Party Food

Table for two?

Bring the flavours of your favourite restaurant home with our Gastropub Dine In. For just £15, you can dine in like you're dining out with a main, a side, and a starter or dessert to serve two. Our top picks? We love Tom’s Spiced Lamb, slow-cooked and marinated in warm aromatic spices in a rich harissa, apricot & chickpea sauce. It’s perfect served with our vibrant Tenderstem Broccoli, Petit Pois and Cavolo Nero, followed by Molten Cookie Dough, with the most-indulgent gooey centre.

Find the Gastropub Dine In deal in store, and browse the menu options below.

See the menu

Raise a glass

Fancy a bit of pre-mixed magic? Crack open a can and enjoy one of our refreshing cocktails as you ring in the New Year. If you're hosting a group and want something for everyone, try our Cocktail Party Pack – eight cans of ready-to-drink cocktails. Whether you love a Pina Colada or your friend’s more into Strawberry Daiquiris, this pack has you covered.

Or check out our bar-quality, expertly blended Marksologist cocktail range. Try the Blood Orange Margarita, bursting with sparkling citrus flavours, or indulge in the luxuriously velvety Salted Caramel Espresso Martini.

If you’re after something low in alcohol but still full of flavour, reach for one of our 0.5% tinnies. For fans of the Pink Passion Star Martini Cocktail, our low-alcohol version is made with botanicals, passion fruit juice, and a hint of Madagascan vanilla.

Explore cocktail cans

Cheers to 2025

Impress your guests by shaking up a new signature cocktail with the help of our tried-and-tested recipes. Try a foamy and festive Snowball cocktail, made with advocaat for a bubbly top, or a spicy Paloma – a fiery twist on the classic tequila cocktail, complete with a zesty coconut and lime rim. If you're after a low-alcohol option, our Cranberry Spritz packs a punch, using our low-alcohol aperitivo as a great alternative to spirits.

Shake it up

Start the year sweet

Our desserts are fab for placing in the centre of your feasting table, allowing your guests to help themselves. Who can resist a Profiterole Stack, piled high and drizzled with chocolate? Each golden choux pastry is delicately filled with British whipped cream and smothered in rich chocolate—a truly indulgent mouthful.

For another bitesize treat, try our Chocolate and Sea Salt Caramel Mini Tarts. These feature layers of smooth Belgian chocolate ganache and Cornish sea salted caramel, all encased in a crisp chocolate pastry shell, finished with a dusting of cocoa powder. Serve alongside fresh fruit, like sweet raspberries or vibrant blueberries, to elevate the flavour of your desserts.

Pudding is served

Bring on the bubbly

The countdown is on, and with 2025 just a few clock strokes away, what better way to toast the new year than with a glass of Delacourt Brut Champagne? Whether you're treating yourself or gifting it to a friend, it’s the perfect pop-worthy, party-starting fizz to bring a touch of sparkle to your celebrations. With refreshing notes of peach, vanilla, and brioche, this bestselling fizz is exclusive to M&S and comes beautifully presented in a gorgeous gift box. Plus, discover a brilliant choice of expertly-sourced wines and fizz in the Foodhall, and stock up for your party as part of our buy four, save 10% offer.

Festivities and fizz

Published 12.20.2024