Happy Tuesday! Given that it's a) snowing right now b) one week 'til Christmas and c) two weeks 'til New Year's Eve - I'm feeling pretty festive! I'm also teaching my Bubbly & Bites class tonight at West Elm, so I've got holiday parties on the brain.

Whether you are throwing a pre-Christmas cocktail party this weekend, or planning a full-on New Year's Eve bash, I wanted to share a few of my favorite festive party bites. Best of all, everything can be made the day before and assembled right before guests arrive (my favorite time-saving trick). That way on the day of the party, you can focus on making your home - and yourself! - look fabulous.

Cocktail-Olives

I'm honestly not a huge cocktail fan (most are too sweet or too boozy for me), but this little Cranberry-Prosecco Fizz is tart and bubbly, with just a hit of sweetness from a splash of Grand Marnier. I love the festive red and green colors as well - it's the ultimate holiday party drink, in my opinion! (Also, I'm obsessed with these Champagne flutes from ABC Home - aren't they pretty?)

Crostini-Salmon

I'll be posting more fun holiday entertaining tips and tricks in the coming days. Stay tuned tomorrow for my favorite budget bubbly picks for 2013!

[recipe:best-cranberry-prosecco-fizz-recipe][recipe:best-crostini-goat-cheese-fig-olive-tapenade-recipe][recipe:best-smoked-salmon-tartare-recipe][recipe:best-citrus-marinated-olives-recipe]

(Photos by Signe Birck; props from ABC Home.)