Final Hours to the Next Year: The New Year's Eve Spread.

When it is about organizing gatherings, guests often separate into a couple of rather different camps: those who enjoy the process, and the ones that would choose to do almost something else. Being ready in advance is essential, and choosing a few tasty creations to begin the proceedings will entertain your attendees while you aim to keep the show on the road.

Fennel, Lemon and Smoked Paprika Almonds

Zesty almond snack

These zesty, spiced bites make for a perfect match for the refreshing pink grapefruit mocktails featured further down.

Buckwheat Blinis with Ricotta and Salmon

Festive starter with blinis

A delicious holiday starter that can easily be adapted to serve with a sweet garnish for children.

Pink Grapefruit, Cardamom and Lime Mocktails

Colorful non-alcoholic drink

These beverages are a refreshing option to booze, but also create a wonderful ingredient for a tequila-based cocktail.

Juniper and Lemon Martinis

Homemade martini cocktail

Homemade gin for a particularly festive holiday martini, perfect for giving as a present or offering at events.

Tender Lamb with a Zingy Sumac and Onion Salad

Slow-cooked lamb dish

Revel in the admiration of this impressive centerpiece – no one will possibly realize how minimal preparation was required.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

Rich chocolate cranberry tart

In this rich sweet treat, pockets of aromatic cranberry sauce are cooked into a chocolaty frangipane for a combination that puts any surfeit of berries to delicious purpose.

Deanna Duncan
Deanna Duncan

Alex Harper is a journalist and urban enthusiast with a passion for uncovering the stories behind city landscapes.