Ring in the New Year with this easy spread. No aprons necessary, no reservations required

Don't let your New Year's party fizzle like a bottle of flat champagne. It's the start of a new year, and you will be remembered for whether your gathering rings in midnight with a bang or with a whimper. At City Weekend, we don't have time to tackle grand visions of homemade fondue or artichoke dip nestled in a bread bowl; instead, we're simplifying our system with an international store-bought spread that is as diverse (and classy) as our guests. For imported cheese paired with robust bottles of red, head to Cheese and Fizz (Delivery).

To add spice to your cheese platter, find rich French spreads like goose liver pate (RMB80) and salmon mousse (RMB70) at Epicvre (French), a cute French provisions shop-cum-cafe that sells wine, dry pasta, mustard and fresh pain -- all imported except for the bread! Impress your Bavarian guests with plates of German specialty meats and sausages from Dimo's Delivery -- all selections are roasted, ground or sliced by a German butcher who uses imported spices. We'd choose the filling cold cuts platter (RMB480, feeds 25) and alcohol-absorbing German meatballs (RMB77 for 30 ready-to-eat pieces) -- sure to minimize sloppy party fouls.

There may be fewer Mediterraneans in attendance, but garlicky hummus, smooth baba ghanoush and roasted eggplants are a party no-brainer. Get yours from Haya's (Deli & Sandwich) for RMB90/kilo. Looking for more no-prep finger foods? At, yes, IKEA's check-out counter mini-mart, you'll not only find your tableware, but the crisp pickles and preserves to go with them.

And if you're intent on adding at least one personal touch, do like we do and roll your own Vietnamese spring rolls. We buy rice wraps (RMB28 -- a steal), fish sauce and rice vinegar at Jing'an Temple's Fresh Mart and fresh basil and mint at The Herb Store or City Shop. Log on to www.allrecipes.com/recipe/vietnamese-fresh-spring-rolls for our editor-tested-and-approved recipe. You'll probably need a prep partner, but we promise these tasty snacks are easy. Lastly, head to VIN or Aussino (Fine Wine/Spirits) to find your holiday bubbly. Come midnight, pop the cork, down a glass, and reach for the nearest French dip (or kiss)!