The talisman for 2026 embodies strength, energy, dynamism, and freedom. What dishes should we prepare to welcome the symbolic host of the upcoming year, ensuring that the hero of the Chinese calendar is favorably inclined towards us?
New Year’s Menu
The “right” colors to greet the Red Fiery Horse include red, orange, gold, beige, sandy, brown, and green. For materials, choose wood, ceramics, linen, and cotton. Traditional New Year candles and should be surrounded by pine cones and evergreen arrangements. In the decor and setting of the festive table, it’s essential to create an atmosphere of hospitality and natural harmony. A special symbol of abundance and respect for the year’s symbol will be a bowl of oats or oatmeal with a piece of sugar placed in the center of the table—this is a tradition for attracting good fortune.
Pleasing the Red Fiery Horse is not difficult—when pondering what to prepare for New Year 2026, remember what this steed typically enjoys and place those favorites on the festive table. First and foremost, grains (pilaf or with nuts—a symbol of prosperity). Secondly, the New Year’s menu should include fruits (citrus, pomegranates, apples), greens, and vegetables (hummus with peppers, roasted vegetables, salads with , beets, peppers, avocados, arugula, , parsley, or celery). When it comes to meat dishes for New Year, it’s best to avoid fatty pork and —fat symbolizes stagnant energy, and the Horse loves movement. Of course, horse meat and sausages made from it are strictly off-limits.
Hot dishes for can include fish with vegetable garnish, vegetable stew, vegetable casserole, pilaf, braised rabbit, or traditional goose or duck with apples and prunes, or roasted chicken. Appropriate beverages include white or red sparkling wine, mulled wine, compotes, , and fruit drinks. Suitable desserts include pumpkin pie, sea buckthorn roll, cherry or viburnum jelly, apple pie, chocolate, and homemade baked goods made from whole grain flour. The highlights of the 2026 New Year’s table setting should feature red, orange, and golden details. You can use spices in these colors and favor red and orange berries and fruits in desserts.
Interesting Dishes for New Year
For appetizers, choose vibrant vegetable platters, lavash rolls with vegetables or cheese, various canapés, pastry tartlets with salads, and fruit assortments. A must-have dish should be a multi-layered salad arranged in the shape of a familiar horseshoe—bringing good luck!
New Year’s Salad “Horseshoe”
If you’re going to invite good fortune to your New Year’s table in 2026, do it beautifully and deliciously. looks stunning, is made from simple and familiar ingredients, and disappears from the plate faster than you can make a wish. Chicken, beets, potatoes, and cheese in a familiar yet very successful combination, plus festive decor with olives—this is not just a salad, but a true talisman for your New Year’s table.
Appetizer “Riders on Horses”
This appetizer is from the series “minimum effort – maximum wow effect.” Imagine: tender prunes wrapped in crispy smoked bacon, still warm and incredibly aromatic. are perfect for the New Year’s table in 2026 when you want to surprise your guests without spending half the day at the stove. They are quick to prepare, disappear even faster, and look like you put in a lot of effort (but that’s our little secret).
Elegant Salad with Shrimp and Avocado
When you’re craving something light, stylish, and a bit “restaurant-like,” this salad is just the ticket. Shrimp, avocado, fresh cucumber, and a vibrant dressing with lime and ginger make it fresh, aromatic, and anything but boring. Plus, serving it in an avocado skin is an added bonus, as it looks stunning and will definitely catch your guests’ attention at the New Year’s table in 2026. To learn how to assemble this beauty without any hassle, check out the detailed
Chicken Liver with Pomegranate
is a dish for those who love familiar ingredients but in a brighter, festive presentation. It may seem like ordinary liver with onions, but add pomegranate sauce, a touch of honey, and a handful of ruby seeds—and the flavor instantly transforms. The sweet and sour notes make the dish intriguing, aromatic, and unique, while its appearance is something you won’t hesitate to place at the center of your New Year’s table in 2026. It can be served as a hot appetizer or a full dish—either way, chicken liver with pomegranate will surely find its fans.
