Countdown to the New Year: Your Festive Menu.

When it comes to hosting parties, guests often divide into a pair of quite different groups: people that love the process, and people that would rather to do practically anything else. Staying organized early is crucial, and selecting a few tasty recipes to start the festivities will entertain your attendees while you try to keep the show on the road.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Zesty almond snack

These zesty, flavorful nibbles make for a ideal pairing for the bright pink grapefruit mocktails listed below.

Salmon & Ricotta on Buckwheat Blinis

Festive starter with blinis

A delicious festive first course that can readily be adapted to serve with a different topping for younger guests.

Cardamom-Lime Grapefruit Mocktails

Colorful non-alcoholic drink

These beverages are a refreshing option to booze, but also make a delicious ingredient for a tequila-based beverage.

Festive Martinis with Juniper & Lemon

Classic martini cocktail

Handcrafted spirit for a particularly festive festive martini, great for sharing or pouring at parties.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Red Onion Sumac Salad

Slow-cooked lamb dish

Enjoy the admiration of this show-stopping spread – your guests will ever guess how little effort was required.

Spiced Cranberry and Chocolate Tart

Decadent chocolate cranberry tart

In this decadent finale, puddles of warmly spiced cranberry sauce are baked into a dark chocolate frangipane for a flavor pairing that puts any surfeit of holiday fruit to excellent purpose.

John Sullivan
John Sullivan

A tech enthusiast and minimalist lifestyle advocate, sharing insights on quiet innovations and sustainable living.