Final Hours to the Next Year: Your Holiday Feast.

When it is about throwing celebrations, guests usually divide into two rather different groups: the ones that enjoy the process, and the ones that would rather to do virtually another thing. Getting organized in advance is essential, and selecting a few scrumptious recipes to kick off the festivities will amuse your attendees while you try to hold everything together.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Zesty almond snack

These tangy, spiced bites prove to be a ideal pairing for the bright pink grapefruit mocktails featured further down.

Savory Blinis Topped with Salmon and Ricotta

Delicious starter with blinis

A scrumptious festive starter that can readily be adapted to offer with a fruity topping for the kids.

Refreshing Grapefruit Mocktails with Cardamom & Lime

Colorful non-alcoholic drink

These beverages are a zesty option to alcohol, but also serve as a wonderful base for a tequila-based cocktail.

Juniper and Lemon Martinis

Homemade martini cocktail

Handcrafted spirit for a particularly festive celebration martini, great for sharing or pouring at gatherings.

Tender Lamb with a Zingy Sumac and Onion Salad

Tender lamb dish

Enjoy the glory of this stunning feast – no one will for a moment realize how little preparation was needed.

Festive Chocolate Cranberry Tart

Rich chocolate cranberry tart

In this decadent finale, puddles of warmly spiced cranberry sauce are baked into a chocolaty filling for a duo that makes any surfeit of holiday fruit to excellent effect.

Mr. Jim Cole
Mr. Jim Cole

Elena Hartwell is a technology journalist and futurist with a passion for exploring how emerging technologies shape our world.