Countdown to 2026: The Holiday Feast.

When it involves hosting celebrations, people tend to divide into a pair of quite separate groups: the ones that enjoy doing it, and the ones that would prefer to do virtually something else. Being prepared early is crucial, and finding a few tasty recipes to kick off the evening will entertain your attendees while you aim to manage everything.

Spicy Almonds with Fennel, Lemon & Paprika

Savory almond snack

These zesty, flavorful nibbles are a perfect companion for the refreshing pink grapefruit mocktails detailed further down.

Salmon & Ricotta on Buckwheat Blinis

Festive starter with blinis

A scrumptious holiday appetizer that can easily be adapted to present with a different garnish for children.

Cardamom-Lime Grapefruit Mocktails

Citrusy non-alcoholic drink

These drinks are a zesty substitute to alcohol, but additionally create a tasty base for a gin-based cocktail.

Festive Martinis with Juniper & Lemon

Sophisticated martini cocktail

Handcrafted spirit for a particularly festive festive cocktail, great for giving as a present or pouring at events.

Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Sumac Onion Salad

Slow-cooked lamb dish

Revel in the praise of this impressive spread – your guests will possibly realize how minimal work was involved.

Spiced Cranberry and Chocolate Tart

Rich chocolate cranberry tart

In this indulgent sweet treat, puddles of aromatic cranberry jam are baked into a chocolate frangipane for a flavor pairing that puts any abundance of berries to delicious use.

Jason Baker
Jason Baker

A passionate coffee roaster and writer with over a decade of experience in specialty coffee and sustainable sourcing practices.