Spring has adorned the earth with a blooming array of colors, and on the calendar, it lights up: May 1st. International Workers’ Day. This joyful celebration is always something we eagerly anticipate. It calls us to the brightly decorated streets and squares, to the festive columns of demonstrators…
As conversations with fellow workers and songs fill the air, time flies by unnoticed. The demonstration is coming to an end, and with the sun shining brightly and spirits high, you don’t want to part ways with your friends. So, you invite them over for lunch.
Of course, this gathering should be planned in advance, and you need to prepare for the celebration so that you can spend as little time in the kitchen as possible while hosting your guests.
A few days before the holiday, buy everything you need to make sweet cookies, as well as meat, poultry, and fish. Clean and gut the poultry and fish right away. Store all these ingredients in tightly sealed containers in the refrigerator. Green onions, radishes, and lettuce will keep well in plastic bags for a day or two. On April 29th, you can bake yeast dough, flatbreads for cakes, and pastries. That same evening, prepare the fish if that’s part of your plan. Once it cools down, be sure to place it in a cool spot, preferably in the fridge.
On the eve of the holiday, start cooking the borscht or broth—whatever you’ve decided to serve as the first course. Meanwhile, decorate the cakes and pastries with creams and finish cooking the meat, whether it’s roasting in the oven or frying on the stove.
After tidying up your home, make sure to decorate it with flowers, as May Day is a celebration of labor, peace, and spring, and it wouldn’t be complete without flowers—the symbol of renewed nature. Choose any spring flowers you like—daffodils, hyacinths, daisies. Red tulips or carnations will emphasize the festive spirit.
So, when you return from the demonstration, you’ll be greeted at home by cleanliness, coziness, and a nearly ready lunch. As soon as you arrive, put the meat in the oven and join your family and guests, who are comfortably settled in their chairs, enjoying friendly conversation (by the way, you can serve assorted kebabs and tomato juice). After an hour, take one or two helpers and prepare the salads and set the table. Make sure everything looks spring-like, with beautifully arranged dishes. Lemon slices will highlight the golden-brown color of the fish. Thinly sliced cucumbers will adorn the salads. Spiral-cut strips of carrot, drizzled with lemon juice, will decorate the meat. Use creatively cut radishes, lettuce, and slices of hard-boiled eggs to garnish the dishes. Don’t forget to place a small bouquet of violets or lilies of the valley in a low vase at the center of the table.
Or perhaps you invited your guests for dinner? Then you’ll have more time to prepare festive dishes and still manage to relax before your friends arrive. Decide whether to stick with fish, salad, and cold meats, or to serve something hot as well. Use radishes, fresh cucumbers, and herbs to give everything a springtime look. Lay out bright embroidered napkins on a white tablecloth.
Treat your guests to music, organize a fun game, or dance.
The warmth of spring and the blue May sky beckon you to nature. Another holiday awaits on May 2nd. So, coordinate with your friends about who will bring what, and head out to the countryside first thing in the morning! A walk through the forest with its fresh young leaves, accompanied by birdsong, and a delicious meal outdoors will leave you with the most pleasant memories.
Wishing you a festive mood and a delightful rest!