Countdown to the New Year: Your Holiday Menu.

When it is about hosting celebrations, guests usually split into two quite distinct camps: those who enjoy it, and people that would choose to do virtually another thing. Being ready early is key, and selecting a few tasty dishes to begin the festivities will entertain your visitors while you try to manage everything.

Fennel, Lemon and Smoked Paprika Almonds

Spicy almond snack

These zesty, spiced snacks prove to be a ideal pairing for the bright pink grapefruit mocktails listed below.

Buckwheat Blinis with Ricotta and Salmon

Festive starter with blinis

A delicious celebration appetizer that can easily be altered to present with a sweet garnish for children.

Cardamom-Lime Grapefruit Mocktails

Colorful non-alcoholic drink

These drinks are a refreshing alternative to spirits, but also create a tasty ingredient for a tequila-based cocktail.

Lemon-Infused Juniper Martinis

Classic martini cocktail

Homemade gin for a unique holiday cocktail, ideal for giving as a present or offering at events.

Tender Lamb with a Zingy Sumac and Onion Salad

Succulent lamb dish

Revel in the glory of this impressive centerpiece – your guests will possibly guess how little work was involved.

Festive Chocolate Cranberry Tart

Decadent chocolate cranberry tart

In this rich dessert, puddles of aromatic cranberry compote are nestled into a chocolate frangipane for a flavor pairing that makes any surfeit of cranberries to delicious use.

Breanna Fox
Breanna Fox

Emma Fielding is the lead content writer at WestDesk, specializing in UX and digital product strategy.