Make the Spiced Pecans and store in an air-tight container
Make & freeze the Asparagus Rolls
Make & freeze the Spinach Mini-Frittatas
Make & freeze (but do not bake) the Duck Packages
Up to two days ahead:
Make the Lavash Sticks
Make the Tomato Chutney.
Make the Cranberry Chutney.
A day ahead:
Start the Strawberry tart.
Shred the duck confit for the Sweet Potato Chips.
Day of the party...
Early in the day:
Finish the Strawberry tart.
Make the Shrimp in phyllo up to the point of baking; cover & refrigerate.
Make the Corn Cakes; cover & leave at room temperature.
Make a list of the other appetizers in the order in which you want to serve them & include reheating/last minute prep instructions; use this as a guide during the party
An hour ahead:
Assemble the Sweet Potato Chips with Duck Confit
Set out the Spiced Pecans & Lavash Sticks
Bake the Shrimp in phyllo
Bake the Duck Packages
During the party :
Reheat appetizers & finish assembly as instructed in the recipes, using your list as a guide
Enlist help to assemble the Corn Cakes & Caviar and to serve the appetizers
Towards the end of the party:
Set the cookies out
Cut & serve the Strawberry tart
Pour Champagne and toast the New Year!
Fancy finger foods are the core of this New Year's Eve Appetizer & Dessert Party. Make them even more special by serving on pretty plates, and have your guests dress up.
Most of the recipes can be made ahead so on the day of the party all you have to do is some last-minute prep and reheating.
New Year's Eve Appetizer & Dessert Party Serves 12
Fumé Blanc, Sauvignon Blanc, and/or California Chardonnay
With Dessert:
Champagne
Table Decorations:
Go for a white, silver and gold color scheme for a really elegant touch. Have small plates available for appetizers (please! no paper!), and lots of pretty paper napkins (cocktail size).
Timing Tips: also see time line to the left
Cookies: Can be made up to a week ahead.
Appetizers: Most can be made ahead ... check the individual recipes and the timeline. Plan ahead for the duck recipes: you'll need to find Duck Confit.
Strawberry Tart: Start it the day ahead to allow time for it to chill.
Make the cookies. 
