by Leanne Ely

The very idea of throwing a party, let alone THE party of the year — a New Year's Eve party — can push even the most stalwart into panic mode.

Believe it or not, you can do this easily — have I ever let you down? All you need are some expert hints, helps and especially some great recipes that will make you look like Martha (pre-Camp Cupcake), when in fact you were out having your nails done an hour before party time. Now, that's a good thing!

So let's get started. First off, you need to make a list and check it twice. You knew I'd say that, didn't you? All good parties necessarily start with a guest list, and making sure it is well thought out and thorough is especially important. You don't want to peeve your boss or a colleague by accidentally excluding him or her from your soiree. Secondly, your New Year's Eve party is going to be an open house, so you're off the hook as far as protocol for a "real" party, requiring at least two weeks notice. You can even e-mail your invitations for this informal affair. And because you are ingeniously having an open house, no need to worry about those pesky RSVPs. Are you loving this so far?

Open houses are drop-in affairs that don't call for the big whop-dee-do that other parties require. However, you still have some decisions to make regarding the time and length. In my way of thinking, three hours is plenty. And make it between meals so people won't mistakenly think your hors d'oeurves are their open-mouthed dinner. Between 2 and 5 p.m. ought to do the trick.

Next, you will want to decide on your menu. That's the easy part — I've got it all right here: no fuss, no muss. Most of the ingredients and menu items can be bought at the warehouse store. The rest is so easy, you can even train your husband to do it. Instead of thinking of yourself as the cook, think of yourself as the Grand Poobah of Shopping Lists. Most everything you're going to buy and arrange — cool, huh? Just make sure you get your appointment with your manicurist set. That will be harder than doing this menu.

You should probably count on about an 80 percent show from your guest list. They will eat plenty — even without the mealtime timing, so make sure you have enough food! For each menu item, make sure you can restock each tray three to six times (depending on how many people you have invited, obviously). Keeping the buffet table stocked and sumptuous is the key to a great open house.

1. Assorted cheeses, nuts, crackers and fruit, olives, marinated artichoke hearts, mushrooms and the like
This is definitely a warehouse club purchase. Buy all kinds of cheeses — whole bries, sliced cheeses — and arrange on large trays (buy disposables at the same warehouse store). Use the nuts and crackers and fruit (dried and fresh), olives and marinated mushrooms and artichoke hearts to make your cheese platters elegant. I would make up three platters for the evening and change them out one per hour, with stuff to restock them (like crackers, fruit, etc.). Don't panic if they seem to be plowing through the cheese. Just move things around a little to fill in the gaps. We caterers call that "refreshing" the buffet.

2. Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole and black bean dip
These items also are definitely warehouse purchases. You can however, make a killer homemade guacamole if you want, but I'd forgo the toil and trouble, buy the guac and make an easier bean dip. My black bean dip can be made two days in advance.

3. Smoked salmon cream cheese
This is a no-brainer, non-recipe item. Either buy smoked salmon cream cheese from a bagel place or make it yourself: use softened whipped cream cheese and chop some smoked salmon (the quantity is up to you — to your taste) and whip together with an electric mixer (skip the food processor — you don't want it blended!). This is another easy one to make in advance (up to two days).

4. Vegetable platter and pita triangles with dips
The produce department will help you with the labor on this one. You can buy virtually any veggie cut up and ready to go. Ditto on the dips — grab what you like, and again, make up the platters like you did for the cheese trays. You'll want three easily, with some backup veggies and dips to fill in as necessary.

Pita chips are a snap to make, and your guests will love them. Simply cut pita breads into six equal pieces, like a pizza. Spray them lightly with an oil spray (I prefer to use an oil spritzer that I fill myself rather than a commercial oil spray, but that will work too) and bake till crisp and brown in a preheated 400-degree oven. They will only take a few minutes, so check them often. Place the chips in baskets lined with a napkin.

5. Assorted miniature quiches
Another fine warehouse purchase! These little quiches are really quite good. They have spinach cheese, bacon and seafood quiches. Get a few bags, follow the heating directions and serve in a basket lined with a holiday napkin or lined up on a tray.

6. Assorted miniature sandwiches
These little sandwiches can be made up ahead or a do-it-yourself type of thing. (I vote for do-it-yourself). Here's how to do it: You need a copious amount of assorted dinner rolls, split and filled into baskets lined with linen napkins, assorted mustards, mayo and assorted meats. I'd go with ham and turkey and call it a day. Too many choices will keep your guests hovering over the table and tasting too much of everything!

7. Tortellini skewers
Those frozen cheese tortellinis are terrific. Simply cook them up per the package instructions, drain them and then marinate overnight in the fridge with a bottle of Italian salad dressing thrown over the top. In the morning, skewer the little darlings on extra-long toothpicks (two or three to a pick) and arrange on trays. How's that for easy and elegant?

8. Assorted Christmas cookies

9. Assorted quick breads: zucchini bread, banana bread and pumpkin bread

10. Brownies

11.Egg nog, punch, assorted drinks
The beverages should all be store-bought as well. Don't even THINK about homemade eggnog.

Whew, we did it! Now that wasn't so bad, was it? A full-on party without the killer kitchen sessions. Everyone will be falling all over themselves congratulating you for throwing a spectacular party and you'll smirk and say a silent thank you to Sam's Club for the help.

So congratulate yourself on such a fine event, and make sure you take some pictures!

Try our yummy Black Bean Dip