Elevated Hosting: How to Host A Ukrainian New Year

Hosting Ukrainian guests for New Year’s is a wonderful opportunity to embrace and honour cultural traditions that may differ from your own. Ukrainian New Year’s customs are filled with warmth, symbolism, and joy, making it a memorable and unique experience. Here’s how to make Ukrainian guests feel at home while celebrating a festive New Year together.

1. Start with Traditional Ukrainian Dishes

Food plays a central role in Ukrainian celebrations, so including traditional dishes is a fantastic way to bring the spirit of Ukraine to the table. Classic dishes include borscht (a hearty beet soup), varenyky (stuffed dumplings), and holubtsi (cabbage rolls stuffed with rice and meat). Many Ukrainian dishes are flavourful and rich, which adds to the festive atmosphere.

If you’re short on time or prefer not to prepare these dishes yourself, consider sourcing food from a local Ukrainian restaurant or market. Guests will appreciate the effort you put into including their traditional foods in the celebration.

2. Offer Ukrainian-Inspired Cocktails and Toasts

In Ukrainian tradition, toasts are a significant part of celebrations. "Na zdorovya!" is the Ukrainian equivalent of "Cheers!" and is often accompanied by toasts that express wishes for health and happiness. Consider offering a vodka-based cocktail, or keeping it simple with shots of vodka served traditionally.

Alternatively, create a Ukrainian-inspired cocktail using vodka, cranberry juice, and sparkling water. This combination is easy to prepare, visually festive, and captures some of the bright flavours often enjoyed during Ukrainian celebrations. 

3. Incorporate Ukrainian Music and Decor

Music plays a significant role in Ukrainian celebrations, adding warmth and energy to gatherings. Create a playlist of Ukrainian folk songs or modern Ukrainian pop music to play in the background of your celebrations. It’s a thoughtful touch that will make Ukrainian guests feel at home and may even inspire some singing or dancing!

For decor, use elements of Ukrainian folk art, like embroidered table runners or small ceramics, to incorporate traditional design elements. Ukrainians often use rushnyk, a type of embroidered cloth, during celebrations, so consider including these as part of your table setting or gift area.

4. Celebrate the Old New Year Tradition

In Ukraine, the Old New Year, celebrated on January 13th, is a carryover from the Julian calendar. You could extend your celebration by incorporating some of these traditions, like "Malanka," which includes caroling, masquerading, and other festive activities. If you’re up for it, suggest a fun, light-hearted masquerade theme, where guests can wear simple masks or dress in traditional Ukrainian attire.

5. Add Small Personal Touches

Acknowledge Ukrainian traditions by incorporating small personal touches like offering traditional Ukrainian treats (like honey cookies or chocolates) or setting up a "wish tree" where guests can write down their wishes for the new year on paper ornaments. 

By embracing and celebrating Ukrainian traditions, you can create a New Year’s celebration that feels welcoming, inclusive, and meaningful. Your Ukrainian guests will appreciate the effort to honour their heritage, and you’ll have the chance to create memories that are as warm and joyful as they are unique.