It’s the season for celebrating. Invite family and friends over for cocktails and hors d’ouevres and ring in the New Year with a celebration.

Be ready for festive entertainment with an assortment of snacks and beverages throughout the holiday season. With plenty of nibbles on hand and beverages for guests to enjoy, all that will be needed is a warm welcome as guests arrive.

From savory to sweet, keep delectable nibbles in mind that are simple to prepare with little preparation time.

Call them finger food, hors d’oeuvres, appetizers or nibbles, but these tiny bites can add a festive touch to any holiday occasion and provide a stress-free way to entertain. Create a festive centerpiece for the buffet table, add several trays of savory delights and one or two with a smidgin of something sweet and the party is sure to be a success. Keep the makings on hand for cocktails or eggnog and spiced cider tea, with or without spirits.

Vikki Morgan has a go-to appetizer that has been a family favorite for more than 20 years. Her holiday cheese ball made with chipped, dried beef is always a welcome sight at any gathering.

“It is an appetizer that is simple to prepare and can be made well in advance. If made ahead, it’s even better because the flavors blend together,” said Morgan.

“It’s so simple — it’s a recipe that is perfect for lazy people. It also makes a nice hostess gift for a holiday party.”

Morgan recommended rolling the cheese ball in pecan pieces for an appealing presentation and placing it on an inexpensive cheese plate with a dome or a serving plate with crackers. The plate can be wrapped in colorful cellophane and tied with a festive ribbon. For a more elaborate gift, the cheese ball could be included in a basket with a holiday cheese spreader, festive cocktail napkins, wine, an assortment of crackers and various cheeses.

“It’s always nice to include the recipe in the gift basket if you’re making a homemade appetizer,” said Morgan.

Brenda Boudreaux likes to experiment with different recipes for a change in the menu when family is coming for the holidays.

Her newest recipe, Jalapeño Poppies, is quick and easy to prepare. Made with refrigerated flaky biscuits, cream cheese, bacon and fresh cilantro, the jalapeño appetizer can add variety to the holiday menu.

“I like to keep entertaining simple. It’s better to keep it simple and have time to enjoy your company rather than to be in the kitchen preparing food,” said Boudreaux.

Consider a twist on a seasonal treat — eggnog and pie. Classic eggnog can receive a makeover in the indulgent Caramel Apple Pie Eggnog cocktail.

With the sweetness of apple pie filling and the smooth taste of homemade eggnog, the addition of dark spiced rum creates a rich, full-bodied flavor for a satisfying adult drink. For younger guests, omit the rum.

Use pasteurized eggs, which have undergone an all-natural warm water pasteurization process, to eliminate the risk of salmonella inside the shell, making the eggs the ideal choice for raw and gently cooked consumption.

A Chocolate Peppermint Pie can be a showstopper treat for guests. Featuring a blend of white and semisweet or dark chocolate chips, crushed peppermint candy and whipped cream, the flavors create a decadent dessert.

For more recipes using pasteurized eggs for all seasons and occasions, visit www.safeeggs.com.