Final Hours to the New Year: A Holiday Spread.

When it is about throwing gatherings, people often separate into a couple of very distinct camps: the ones that enjoy the process, and those who would rather to do almost another thing. Being organized ahead of time is key, and selecting a few delicious dishes to start the proceedings will delight your guests while you work to manage everything.

Fennel, Lemon and Smoked Paprika Almonds

Savory almond snack

These tangy, flavorful snacks make for a perfect match for the refreshing pink grapefruit mocktails featured below.

Salmon & Ricotta on Buckwheat Blinis

Delicious starter with blinis

A delicious holiday first course that can readily be modified to present with a fruity topping for the kids.

Refreshing Grapefruit Mocktails with Cardamom & Lime

Citrusy non-alcoholic drink

These beverages are a invigorating alternative to spirits, but furthermore create a tasty ingredient for a tequila-based drink.

Lemon-Infused Juniper Martinis

Homemade martini cocktail

Handcrafted gin for a special holiday cocktail, great for gifting or offering at events.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Red Onion Sumac Salad

Slow-cooked lamb dish

Bask in the praise of this stunning spread – your guests will for a moment suspect how modest preparation was needed.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

Rich chocolate cranberry tart

In this decadent finale, pockets of aromatic cranberry jam are nestled into a dark chocolate base for a flavor pairing that makes any surfeit of cranberries to delicious use.

Dr. Laurie Gray
Dr. Laurie Gray

Award-winning journalist and cultural critic with over a decade of experience covering global affairs and emerging trends.