Menu for dinner with family for the New Year holidays: how to choose dishes for different tastes

On the New Year holidays dinner in Lviv can become not only a festive tradition, but also a way to gather people with different tastes at the same table. So that everyone - from children to older relatives - feels comfortable, it is worth thinking through the menu so that everyone finds a «dish for themselves and at the same time the table remains complete, logical and not too overloaded.

First, you should define the format: it will be a cozy family dinner with several main dishes or an extended feast with a lot of treats. Think of the eating habits of loved ones: who doesn't eat meat, who avoids fried or too fatty, or if someone has allergies. This will help to avoid a situation where some of the guests have nothing to put on their plate.

It is useful to focus on three groups: children, adults, older relatives. Children usually enjoy simple dishes with familiar products, adults will willingly try something new or a «easier» interpretation of the classics, and older people are better at more traditional recipes with moderate amounts of spices.

The New Year's table is often associated with hearty salads and hot meat dishes, but today more and more people prefer lighter combinations. You can leave your favorite classic salads, but replace some of the mayonnaise sauces with yogurt or olive oil, add more fresh vegetables, greens, and citrus notes.

For meat eaters, baked meat or poultry with vegetables are suitable, not just fried foods. Those who do not eat meat can be offered baked vegetables, cereals with vegetable toppings, salads with cheese or legumes. So the menu will look harmonious, and not divided into «ordinary» and «dietary» parts.

A convenient approach - basic dishes with the possibility of variations. For example, a main course with a neutral side dish (potatoes, rice, vegetables), to which several sauces are served separately: more savory, creamy, light herbal. This is how you give guests the freedom to combine without cooking a dozen different dishes.

Desserts can also be varied, but without kinking: one is more classic, such as a cake or pie, and one lighter is a fruit salad, baked apples, and a delicate cream. It is important that desserts do not overload after a busy dinner.

In order not to spend the whole day in the kitchen, some dishes should be prepared in advance: marinate meat, make preparations for salads, bake cake cakes. On the day of the holiday, all that remains is to collect, warm up, serve beautifully. You can involve family members in preparation: entrust someone with slicing vegetables, someone with setting the table, someone with musical accompaniment and creating a festive mood.

If you understand that there is not enough time or effort for full independent cooking, you can order part of the menu ready-made, and add your own accents at home: serving, sauces, original design. The main thing is not to turn the preparation into a marathon, after which there will be no strength left to enjoy a joint dinner.

A well-thought-out menu for a New Year's family dinner is not only about dishes, but also about attention to detail: so that everyone feels taken into account, so that there is a place for both traditions and new taste discoveries. It is worth leaving space for improvisation, not chasing «with the perfect picture» from social networks, but focusing on shared time, conversations and a relaxed atmosphere.

If you want to diversify your own ideas, you can always be inspired by ready-made solutions for friendly family gatherings for the New Year holidays, in particular by viewing the menu options at the link https://galkorona.com/rest/povecherjaty-z-simeu.