Countdown to the Next Year: A New Year's Eve Feast.

When it involves hosting gatherings, guests usually divide into a pair of very different categories: the ones that enjoy the process, and people that would choose to do virtually something else. Staying ready ahead of time is essential, and finding a few delicious dishes to kick off the evening will amuse your guests while you try to keep the show on the road.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Savory almond snack

These tangy, spicy snacks make for a ideal companion for the bright pink grapefruit mocktails listed below.

Savory Blinis Topped with Salmon and Ricotta

Elegant starter with blinis

A delicious holiday first course that can readily be modified to offer with a sweet garnish for younger guests.

Refreshing Grapefruit Mocktails with Cardamom & Lime

Citrusy non-alcoholic drink

These drinks are a zesty substitute to alcohol, but furthermore create a tasty mixer for a gin-based drink.

Lemon-Infused Juniper Martinis

Sophisticated martini cocktail

Home-infused gin for a particularly festive holiday cocktail, perfect for giving as a present or offering at events.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Red Onion Sumac Salad

Tender lamb dish

Revel in the praise of this impressive spread – everyone will possibly guess how little preparation was needed.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

Rich chocolate cranberry tart

In this rich dessert, puddles of aromatic cranberry jam are nestled into a chocolate frangipane for a combination that uses any surfeit of holiday fruit to delicious purpose.

Erica Oconnell
Erica Oconnell

Elara Vance is a cultural geographer and writer fascinated by patterns of chance in urban environments.