If your guests have little ones too, you may want to keep your party short and sweet. At the table, just like in life, it’s all about quality over quantity. Throw a short bash for two or three hours, keeping your guests happy with a few tasty treats.


HAPPY HOUR COCKTAIL IDEAS

Blinis with salmon gravlax, sesame and wakame

Brioche bread canapés with goat cheese, sweet cherry tomatoes and basil

Nori cake with crab meat, mashed avocado and Tobiko

Gingerbread canapé with torchon-style foie gras, apple, fig and maple chutney

Halloumi and zucchini nem with tomato puree and arugula, yogurt sauce

Spicy Angus Prime beef mini-paupiettes, arugula and Parmesan, three-mustard sauce

Since it will be supper time for your little ones too (and foie gras and gravlax may not be their cup of tea), be sure to prepare some kid-friendly dishes—like these crispy chicken fingers from Coup de Pouce.

Looking to keep the party going without being chained to the kitchen all night? Serve up small dishes throughout the evening with small breaks in between. Don’t stay up too late though… your little one will still be up bright and early!


5 DELICIOUS DINNER COCKTAIL IDEAS

Cold hors d’oeuvres: shrimp mousse, grilled fennel and cucumber rolls; Speck ham skewers with marinated bocconcini; croutons with lobster meat, leek and sesame; crepes with asparagus rice, avocado and sweet potato.

Hot hors d’oeuvres: lamb cigars with pine nuts and figs; coconut shrimp with lime; caramelized onion and crème fraîche tarts; beignets with zucchini, feta, mint and dill.

Mini-skewers: rolls with Medjool dates and maple-smoked bacon; Shish Taouk style chicken and tahini sauce; General Tao tofu cubes with grilled bok choy; scallops marinated with lemongrass and Thai basil.

Cheese bites: aged cheddar cones with guacamole; fresh goat cheese canapés with roasted grapes; baby potatoes stuffed with country ham and a Reblochon gratin; cheese puffs with piment d’Espelette.

Desserts: chocolate brownies with Chantilly cream and berry compote served in a verrine; rhubarb, strawberry and lemon profiteroles; pear and maple syrup bread pudding; chocolate and matcha tea truffles.

Family and sharing always go hand in hand! Instead of spending the evening alone in the kitchen, prep a large party dish ahead of time for you and your guests to share. Set it in the centre of your dining table and it’ll be the talking point of the party.


SHARING PLATE IDEAS

Couscous Royale with lamb shoulder, merguez, root vegetables, pistachios and apricots

Valencian paella with saffron chicken breast, chorizo, seafood, tomatoes and peas 

Vegetarian moussaka with eggplant, mushrooms, green lentils and parmesan 

Whole beef tenderloin with braised bones, flavoured juices and various condiments

A kid’s party without dessert is like New Year’s without champagne! Dive right into the theme of extra large dishes and prepare an always impressive Croquembouche. For a local version, follow this recipe from Érable du Québec. Happy guests guaranteed!