Ring in the New Year by hosting a festive dinner for friends. When your guests arrive, pop open the bubbly and offer some savory appetizers, including filo triangles filled with a blend of three cheeses and crostini topped with red pepper pesto. The centerpiece of this celebratory meal is fresh cracked crab paired with a piquant chili dipping sauce. (Be sure to have plenty of napkins on hand.)

As the clock approaches midnight, bring out the desserts: creamy lemon pots de crème and bourbon truffles coated with crunchy pecans. Then raise a toast to the New Year.