Score Big Savings at Your New Year's Eve Celebration: Top Party Deals Under $20

Planning a festive gathering to ring in the new year doesn’t have to strain your wallet. With smart shopping and strategic picks from major retailers, you can create an impressive spread of appetizers, mains, and desserts while staying well under budget. We’ve rounded up the best deals under $20 that will let you host with confidence, even as rising food costs continue to challenge party budgets.

Appetizers & Finger Foods That Impress

When guests arrive, they expect an impressive spread of bite-sized treats. Fortunately, several retailers are offering deals on ready-to-serve options that require minimal prep time.

Start with BJ’s uncured cocktail beef franks in puff pastries. Priced at $17.99, this 60-count pack delivers enough appetizers for a dozen guests. The buttery puff pastry wraps around tender beef franks and heats through in minutes, leaving you free to mingle rather than cook. Serve them alongside your favorite dipping sauces for an instant crowd-pleaser.

For a more elegant touch without the effort, grab the Tostitos restaurant-style tortilla chips and Ruffles original potato chips two-pack at BJ’s for just $8.98. This pairing of crowd favorites works beautifully with salsa, guacamole, and cheese dips. It’s the kind of no-fuss option that lets you focus on your guests.

Charcuterie & Cheese Boards: Grazing Options

Create an impressive charcuterie spread without the labor-intensive assembly. Walmart’s Columbus charcuterie tasting board rings in at $14.46 and arrives ready to serve on a plastic tray. You get Italian dry salami, Calabrese salami, Castelvetrano olives, dark chocolate-covered cranberries, roasted garlic and rosemary crackers, and white cheddar cheese—all the elements of a sophisticated spread for a fraction of what you’d spend buying components individually.

Looking for another charcuterie-style option? Walmart also stocks the Hormel Gatherings hard salami and pepperoni with cheese and crackers party tray at $14.76. This platter includes salami, pepperoni, cheddar, colby-jack cheese, and crackers, all individually wrapped to maintain freshness. Simply unwrap and set out.

Hot & Hearty Bites

Sometimes guests want something more substantial than cold cuts. The Great Value fully-cooked homestyle meatballs at Walmart deliver versatile party food for just $8.47. These beef and pork meatballs feature gourmet seasoning and bread crumbs, heating through in two minutes. Serve them as appetizers on toothpicks, mix into pasta, or pile onto sandwich rolls—the options are endless.

Sweet Endings: Desserts Worth Celebrating

No party feels complete without something sweet. Costco’s Sugar Bowl Bakery brownie bites at $8.99 offer instant gratification—a two-pound package with about 32 bite-sized brownies that need no baking. Their small size makes them perfect for pairing with other desserts.

For a showstopping finale, BJ’s carries The Cheesecake Factory at home 7-inch grand cheesecake selection for $19.99. This collection includes eight slices featuring white chocolate raspberry truffle, chocolate mousse, Snickers bar chunks, and strawberry toppings. With multiple flavors, every guest finds their favorite, and they simply thaw before serving—ideal for smaller gatherings where you want that special touch.

Festive Beverages to Raise a Glass

Ringing in the new year calls for something bubbly. Martinelli’s gold medal sparkling cider at $17.49 brings celebration without alcohol—perfect when kids or non-drinkers are part of your crowd. BJ’s offers this 12-count pack of individual bottles made from USA-grown apples, giving everyone a sweet, fizzy toast for the countdown.

Making These New Year’s Eve Deals Work for You

The math is simple: quality party fare doesn’t require premium pricing. By shopping the deals highlighted above, you can outfit a New Year’s celebration with appetizers, grazing boards, meatballs, desserts, and beverages for under $100—a significant savings compared to previous years’ party hosting costs. Mix and match based on your guest count and preferences. Most items require zero cooking skills and minimal assembly, meaning less kitchen time and more celebration time.

Note: Prices and availability vary by location and may change over time. Check with your local retailer for current deals before heading out.