Countdown to the New Year: Your Festive Menu.

When it is about hosting parties, people often split into two quite distinct categories: those who love it, and people that would prefer to do virtually anything else. Being organized early is key, and selecting a few tasty recipes to begin the evening will delight your guests while you try to manage everything.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Savory almond snack

These zesty, flavorful bites prove to be a perfect pairing for the refreshing pink grapefruit mocktails detailed next.

Buckwheat Blinis with Ricotta and Salmon

Festive starter with blinis

A delicious festive starter that can conveniently be adapted to present with a fruity garnish for the kids.

Cardamom-Lime Grapefruit Mocktails

Citrusy non-alcoholic drink

These concoctions are a zesty alternative to alcohol, but also create a tasty base for a gin-based drink.

Juniper and Lemon Martinis

Homemade martini cocktail

Handcrafted spirit for a particularly festive celebration cocktail, great for gifting or pouring at gatherings.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Red Onion Sumac Salad

Slow-cooked lamb dish

Bask in the glory of this show-stopping centerpiece – your guests will possibly suspect how modest preparation was required.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

Decadent chocolate cranberry tart

In this indulgent sweet treat, swirls of aromatic cranberry compote are baked into a dark chocolate filling for a combination that puts any surfeit of cranberries to excellent purpose.

Tony Gonzalez
Tony Gonzalez

A historian and journalist specializing in royal heritage and luxury culture, with over a decade of experience covering European aristocracy.