Countdown to the New Year: The Holiday Menu.

When it is about organizing gatherings, guests usually split into a pair of quite distinct camps: those who love it, and people that would choose to do practically something else. Being ready early is essential, and selecting a few delicious recipes to kick off the festivities will amuse your visitors while you try to manage everything.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Savory almond snack

These tangy, flavorful snacks make for a ideal pairing for the bright pink grapefruit mocktails featured further down.

Salmon & Ricotta on Buckwheat Blinis

Elegant starter with blinis

A delicious festive starter that can conveniently be altered to serve with a fruity spread for younger guests.

Cardamom-Lime Grapefruit Mocktails

Citrusy non-alcoholic drink

These beverages are a refreshing alternative to spirits, but additionally make a wonderful base for a tequila-based beverage.

Festive Martinis with Juniper & Lemon

Classic martini cocktail

Home-infused spirit for a special festive martini, great for giving as a present or offering at parties.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Red Onion Sumac Salad

Slow-cooked lamb dish

Bask in the admiration of this stunning feast – no one will for a moment guess how modest work was required.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

Decadent chocolate cranberry tart

In this rich dessert, puddles of aromatic cranberry jam are cooked into a dark chocolate base for a duo that uses any surfeit of cranberries to delicious purpose.

Lisa Garcia
Lisa Garcia

A seasoned corporate communications consultant with over 15 years of experience in business writing and strategic messaging.