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When it involves hosting celebrations, people usually separate into a pair of rather distinct camps: the ones that love doing it, and those who would choose to do almost anything else. Being prepared ahead of time is crucial, and finding a few tasty recipes to start the evening will amuse your visitors while you work to keep the show on the road.

Citrusy Smoked Paprika Almonds with Fennel

These tangy, flavorful nibbles make for a perfect match for the refreshing pink grapefruit mocktails featured further down.

Buckwheat Blinis with Ricotta and Salmon

A delectable holiday starter that can readily be altered to serve with a different topping for younger guests.

Pink Grapefruit, Cardamom and Lime Mocktails

These drinks are a refreshing option to alcohol, but also create a tasty mixer for a gin-based cocktail.

Festive Martinis with Juniper & Lemon

Homemade gin for a unique festive martini, great for gifting or offering at gatherings.

Slow-Cooked Shredded Lamb Shoulder with Red Onion Sumac Salad

Revel in the admiration of this show-stopping centerpiece – your guests will for a moment guess how modest effort was needed.

Chocolate Tart with Spiced Cranberry

In this decadent dessert, swirls of aromatic cranberry jam are cooked into a chocolate filling for a combination that puts any abundance of holiday fruit to excellent purpose.