Hey everyone, Summer here.

So it's New Year's Eve day, and let me guess—you either just decided to host something tonight, or you volunteered to bring snacks and drinks to someone else's party, or you completely forgot that you said you'd provide food and beverages and now you're panicking because stores close early tonight.

Don't worry. I've got you.

We're doing a lightning-round guide to getting snacks and drinks for tonight's New Year's Eve party—where to find last-minute deals, what to actually buy, and how to look like you planned this all along when really you're shopping at 2 PM on December 31st.

Let's make this happen.

First question: where are you actually going to find decent snacks and drinks on New Year's Eve afternoon when half the stores are already picked over or closing early?

Here's your game plan:

Grocery Stores - Your Best Bet

Major grocery chains are your friend right now. Kroger, Publix, Harris Teeter, Food Lion, wherever you normally shop—they're open, they're stocked, and they know people are panic-shopping for tonight.

Here's the secret: grocery stores WANT to clear holiday inventory before January 1st. That means clearance sections are your goldmine right now. Check the seasonal aisle, the bakery clearance rack, the deli section for marked-down party trays.

Look for:

• Party platters already made (cheese and crackers, vegetable trays, sandwich rings)
• Bakery items marked down because they need to sell today
• Deli meats and cheeses sold by the pound
• Pre-made appetizers in the frozen section

Don't sleep on the frozen appetizers. Seriously. Mini quiches, mozzarella sticks, chicken wings, jalapeño poppers—throw them in the oven, put them on a nice plate, nobody knows they were frozen.

Warehouse Clubs - If You Have Membership

Costco, Sam's Club, BJ's—if you have a membership, this is the time to use it. Everything comes in party-sized quantities, prices are reasonable, and the quality is usually solid.

The hot food section is clutch. Rotisserie chickens, pizza, prepared foods—grab and go. Their bakery section has massive dessert platters. Their cheese selection is excellent for the price.

But here's the thing: warehouse clubs are PACKED today. Everyone had the same idea. Go early if you're going, have a list, get in and get out.

Convenience Stores and Gas Stations - Drinks Especially

For beverages specifically, don't overlook convenience stores. They're open late, they stock beer and wine, and sometimes they have surprisingly good deals on two-liters of soda, energy drinks, mixers.

Not ideal for snacks unless you're going for chips and dip, but for liquid provisions when grocery stores are closing? Totally viable.

Dollar Stores - Budget Saviors

Dollar General, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree—underrated party shopping destinations. You can get chips, candy, plastic cups, napkins, decorations, and sometimes even frozen appetizers for literal dollars.

Will it be gourmet? No. Will it get the job done when you're on a tight budget? Absolutely.

Dollar Tree especially—everything is actually a dollar (or $1.25 now), so you can load up a cart for $30 and have plenty of snacks.

Pharmacies - Surprisingly Useful

CVS and Walgreens are open, they carry snacks and drinks, and their seasonal sections often have marked-down holiday items including party supplies, candy, cookies.

Not your first choice, but if everything else is closed or too crowded, pharmacies will save you.

Okay, you know where to shop. Now let's talk about what to actually put in your cart.

The No-Fail Snack Strategy

You need variety without complexity. Here's the formula:

Something Salty: Chips and dip are non-negotiable. Tortilla chips with salsa and guacamole. Potato chips with French onion dip. Pretzels with cheese dip. Pick two chip varieties, pick two dips. Done.

Something Cheesy: Cheese and crackers, always. Get a pre-made tray if available. If not, grab a block of cheddar, some pepper jack, maybe some brie if you're feeling fancy, a box of assorted crackers. Slice, arrange, serve.

Something You Can Heat: Frozen appetizers are your secret weapon. Get two or three varieties—mini egg rolls, mozzarella sticks, chicken tenders, whatever's on sale. Follow package directions, serve hot.

Something Sweet: Cookies, brownies, dessert bars. Bakery section clearance is your friend. Or grab a couple boxes of cookies, arrange them on a plate, nobody knows you didn't bake them.

Something Fresh: Vegetable tray with ranch, fruit tray, something that makes it look like you considered nutrition. Even if nobody eats it, it looks responsible.

Something Substantial: If people are drinking, they need to eat something with protein. Deli meat and cheese rolled up, rotisserie chicken cut into pieces, meatballs in sauce (frozen, heated, put in a slow cooker if you have one).

That's it. Six categories. You don't need more than that.

The Beverage Breakdown

Drinks are actually simpler than people think:

For a Mixed Crowd (Some Drinkers, Some Not):

• Two types of soda (Coke and Sprite covers most preferences)
• Bottled water
• Maybe juice or lemonade
• Ice (don't forget ice!)

If People Are Drinking Alcohol:

• Beer: Get a variety pack or two different styles (light beer and an IPA or craft option)
• Wine: One red, one white, both under $15 because it's getting mixed into conversation not carefully tasted
• Basic spirits if you're making cocktails: vodka, rum, or tequila plus mixers
• Champagne for the midnight toast (the $8 bottle is fine, nobody's savoring it)

Pro tip: Let people bring their own preferred drinks and you just provide basics. Put it in the invitation or group text: "I've got beer, wine, and mixers—bring your poison of choice if you have a preference."

This saves you money and ensures people get what they actually want to drink.

Let's talk about specific deals you can find right now, December 31st:

Grocery Store Clearance:

Most stores have marked down their holiday cheese boards, charcuterie platters, and desserts by 30-50% today. Check the clearance stickers in the deli and bakery sections.

Party platters that were $25 yesterday might be $15 today because they expire tomorrow. That's your deal.

Soda and Beverage Sales:

Coca-Cola products, Pepsi products—look for "buy 2 get 1 free" or similar deals. Stock up because people drink a lot at parties.

Frozen Appetizer Sales:

Check your grocery store app before you go. Often there are digital coupons for frozen party foods—$2 off bags of wings, buy one get one on mozzarella sticks.

Alcohol Deals:

Some liquor stores and grocery stores (where beer and wine are sold) run New Year's Eve specials. Look for:

• Mix and match six-packs where you save money buying variety
• Wine markdowns on bottles that didn't sell during Christmas
• Champagne bundles (buy two, get a discount)

Dollar Store Strategy:

Everything is already cheap, but Dollar Tree especially—grab multiple items. $20 gets you chips, dip, candy, plastic cups, napkins, plates, and decoratio...