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

When it comes to throwing gatherings, guests tend to split into two rather distinct groups: people that love doing it, and people that would prefer to do almost anything else. Getting organized early is crucial, and selecting a few tasty dishes to begin the evening will amuse your visitors while you aim to hold everything together.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Zesty almond snack

These tangy, spiced snacks are a ideal match for the vibrant pink grapefruit mocktails listed next.

Salmon & Ricotta on Buckwheat Blinis

Elegant starter with blinis

A delicious holiday starter that can conveniently be modified to serve with a fruity garnish for younger guests.

Pink Grapefruit, Cardamom and Lime Mocktails

Citrusy non-alcoholic drink

These drinks are a zesty substitute to spirits, but also create a wonderful ingredient for a gin-based beverage.

Lemon-Infused Juniper Martinis

Classic martini cocktail

Homemade gin for a particularly festive celebration drink, perfect for giving as a present or serving at events.

Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Sumac Onion Salad

Succulent lamb dish

Revel in the admiration of this impressive feast – your guests will ever realize how modest effort was needed.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

Decadent chocolate cranberry tart

In this decadent sweet treat, puddles of warmly spiced cranberry jam are cooked into a dark chocolate filling for a combination that puts any extra of holiday fruit to excellent purpose.

Ian Benson
Ian Benson

A Berlin-based tech journalist and lifestyle blogger with over a decade of experience covering digital innovation and urban living.