Celebration to 2026: The Holiday Feast.

When it is about hosting parties, individuals tend to separate into a couple of very different camps: people that love it, and people that would prefer to do almost anything else. Getting prepared in advance is key, and selecting a few delicious dishes to start the evening will amuse your attendees while you work to hold everything together.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

Spicy almond snack

These zesty, flavorful snacks are a perfect match for the refreshing pink grapefruit mocktails featured further down.

Buckwheat Blinis with Ricotta and Salmon

Elegant starter with blinis

A delectable holiday appetizer that can readily be adapted to offer with a fruity topping for the kids.

Pink Grapefruit, Cardamom and Lime Mocktails

Colorful non-alcoholic drink

These concoctions are a invigorating substitute to spirits, but also serve as a tasty mixer for a gin-based cocktail.

Lemon-Infused Juniper Martinis

Homemade martini cocktail

Homemade gin for a unique holiday drink, perfect for gifting or pouring at gatherings.

Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Sumac Onion Salad

Succulent lamb dish

Revel in the praise of this show-stopping spread – everyone will for a moment guess how minimal effort was required.

Spiced Cranberry and Chocolate Tart

Festive chocolate cranberry tart

In this rich finale, swirls of spiced cranberry compote are nestled into a chocolaty frangipane for a duo that uses any extra of cranberries to excellent purpose.

Cheryl Reynolds
Cheryl Reynolds

Award-winning mixologist and spirits critic with over a decade of experience in craft cocktail curation and bar consulting.