Countdown to 2026: Your Holiday Spread.

When it involves organizing parties, guests usually divide into two rather distinct categories: those who enjoy doing it, and people that would prefer to do almost another thing. Being organized in advance is key, and choosing a few tasty recipes to start the evening will amuse your attendees while you aim to manage everything.

Fennel, Lemon and Smoked Paprika Almonds

Spicy almond snack

These zesty, spicy snacks prove to be a excellent companion for the bright pink grapefruit mocktails listed below.

Savory Blinis Topped with Salmon and Ricotta

Festive starter with blinis

A scrumptious festive appetizer that can easily be modified to present with a sweet topping for children.

Refreshing Grapefruit Mocktails with Cardamom & Lime

Colorful non-alcoholic drink

These drinks are a zesty substitute to booze, but also serve as a tasty mixer for a tequila-based drink.

Juniper and Lemon Martinis

Homemade martini cocktail

Home-infused gin for a particularly festive festive drink, perfect for giving as a present or offering at events.

Tender Lamb with a Zingy Sumac and Onion Salad

Tender lamb dish

Enjoy the praise of this show-stopping feast – your guests will ever guess how little effort was involved.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

Festive chocolate cranberry tart

In this rich sweet treat, puddles of warmly spiced cranberry compote are cooked into a dark chocolate frangipane for a flavor pairing that puts any abundance of cranberries to excellent use.

Morgan Phillips
Morgan Phillips

A passionate entertainment journalist and cultural commentator based in Amsterdam.