New Year's Eve party food ideas for a crowd: a 30-guest plan with trays and prices
New Year's Eve party food for 30 guests from trays: shrimp, a cheese and sausage tray, dates, asparagus and midnight sweets for $436 before tax, about $14.53 a guest.
By the Upper Crust Catering kitchen
For New Year's Eve party food ideas for a crowd, serve finger food in two courses: a savory spread at 8 pm and a sweet tray at midnight. For 30 guests that is $436 from Upper Crust trays, about $14.53 a guest before tax: Jumbo Chilled Shrimp, a Cheese & Sausage Tray, Bacon Wrapped Dates and Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Spears, then Chocolate Covered Strawberries and Mini Cream Puffs at midnight.
The savory spread, with the math
- Jumbo Chilled Shrimp with Zesty Cocktail Sauce, $95, 60 pieces, gluten-free and dairy-free
- Cheese & Sausage Tray with Crackers, $79, 120 pieces, gluten-free
- Bacon Wrapped Dates, $74, 40 pieces, gluten-free
- Prosciutto Wrapped Asparagus Spears, $74, 60 pieces, gluten-free
$95 + $79 + $74 + $74 = $322. The trays hold 280 pieces, which is about 9 per guest for 30. That is enough for a party that runs several hours, where we plan about 2 to 3 pieces per guest per hour. If your party is a short one, drop the asparagus and save $74.
The midnight sweet course
- Chocolate Covered Strawberries, $69, 35 to 40 count, gluten-free
- Chocolate Drizzled Mini Cream Puffs, $45, 50 count
$69 + $45 = $114. Together with the savory spread, $322 + $114 = $436. With 9.25% sales tax that is $476.33. Divided by 30, the food is about $14.53 a guest before tax.
Serving notes
Bacon Wrapped Dates are a hot tray. A chafing dish set is $17 and yours to keep, or a stainless steel rental is $20 and returned after the party. The other trays above are served cold. Keep the shrimp on ice or in the fridge until the party starts, and bring out the sweets at about 11:30 so they are ready for midnight.
Plates, napkins and silverware are $1.50 a person, or Disposable Appetizer Plates & Napkins are $0.99 a person for a party where guests mingle.
Other trays worth adding
- Cocktail Meatballs, $64, 100 pieces, to keep the hot side going.
- Chicken Drummettes, $100, 120 pieces, for a game-night crowd.
- Crabmeat Stuffed Mushrooms, $69.
The bigger holiday plan, with a 50-guest budget, is in holiday party appetizers. Every tray and count is in catered appetizers near Yorkville.
Drinks
We do not serve alcohol or sell champagne. For a non-alcoholic toast, Iced Tea, Punch or Lemonade is $89 for 50 servings, cups included, and Soft Drinks are $2.49 each. Bring your own sparkling drinks and glasses.
How to order
Standard orders need three days' notice, so order well before the 31st, and call us about pick-up times on a holiday week. Hours are Monday to Friday 10 to 6 and Saturday 10 to 2. See holiday party catering or send your headcount through the quote form. Call (630) 553-9533. Delivery is quoted when you order.
Questions
How much food do I need for a New Year's Eve party?
We plan 2 to 3 pieces per guest per hour for a mix of finger food. That is a planning guide.
Do you sell champagne?
No. We do not sell alcohol.
Can I order a smaller amount?
Yes. Trays have no minimum and no small-party surcharge.
Holiday party catering for the office and the family, plus dinner to go
