So you want to celebrate the start of 2025, but your budget is not sufficient for champagne or beer? Or, you’ve been invited to the New Year’s Eve Party and need to bring something, but in a throwback to 2012 you’ve only got $20 in your pocket and it just doesn’t go as far as it used to?
Here are some tips to keep you on budget:
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The size of the guest list is the single biggest determinant of the cost of the party, so make it a pot luck.
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Skip the alcohol entirely and start the new year off sober. For example you could make a mock champagne made with two parts ginger ale, one part pineapple juice, one part white grape juice. Mix, chill, and serve in the beverage container of your choice. ($8.15 for 4L, which is 32 half cup servings.) Check out this website for more great mocktail recipes.
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It is traditionally said that what you do on New Year’s Day is what you will be doing all year. Let’s not make that thing a ton of dishes from a big sit-down meal. Instead, serve your favourite appetizers which can be prepped on a single cookie sheet in the oven, if they need baking at all. And remember, it’s a pot luck so pick and choose a couple of things and ask your guests to fill in the blanks.
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Chicken Wings ($12.99 – $15.99 for 750g, which is approximately seven three-wing servings.)
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Mozzarella Sticks ($8.49 - $11.99 for 500g, which is approximately eight two-stick servings.)
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Spinach and Cheese Phyllo Bites ($6.99 - $8.49 for 18 pieces.)
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Crackers and Hummus – quite possibly the most cholesterol friendly snack ever invented, with the satisfying crunch of chips and dip. Also a good option to share with your vegetarian, gluten free and/or lactose free guests. (Crackers $2 - $7, Hummus $3.99 – $7.99)
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Stuffing Bites – think meatballs, but made of boxed stuffing mix and dipped in cranberry sauce. Can be mixed with ground meat of your choice at a ratio of 2 boxes stuffing mix per pound of meat; or with onion, celery, and mushrooms for a meat-free option. (Stuffing mix $0.99 - $2.49 per box. Ground pork is by far the most budget friendly meat at $3.85 - $5.83 per pound. 1 medium yellow onion $1.32. Celery heart $3.99. Mushrooms, whole or pre-sliced $3.99 for 227g. Whole berry cranberry sauce $2 - $3.69)
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Inflation being what it was in 2024, a pre-made 13-inch fruit or vegetable tray is going to be in the $22 - $30 range. But if you have the time to prep it yourself, you can still get the ingredients for under $20. Stay away from the berries, there’s a reason those trays are almost all melon these days.
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In addition to streaming the 2025 countdown from the city and time zone of your choice - and getting all the tea from your guests’ visits with family this holiday season - board and card games are a great way to spend time with friends and kill time until the main event. If you need something new to play, try borrowing from your local library, or adding “favourite game” to your list of suggestions when your guests ask “What can I bring?”
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However you choose to celebrate the New Year, make sure you have plans in place for people to stay over or get home safely at the end of the night. According to the RCMP, impaired driving doesn’t just mean driving drunk it includes driving under the influence of drugs, prescription medication, alcohol, or while overly fatigued.
