After the hustle and bustle of Christmas, a casual open house on New Year’s Day is a wonderful way to spend time with family and friends. Our do-ahead menu is designed to be served buffet-style, so guests can help themselves as they please.

Our cauliflower soup enriched with cheddar cheese is just the thing for a chilly winter afternoon. The main course features baked ham with a spicy-sweet glaze, plus wild rice pilaf and tricolore salad (a toss of radicchio, Belgian endive and arugula). Dessert is homey and satisfying: slices of ginger cake topped with warm caramel sauce and whipped cream.