What the New Year's table looked like in the USSR: preparations for the holiday began in the summer

New Year's holidays in the Soviet Union were perhaps the most anticipated event of the year. Preparations for them began long before the holidays, often in the summer. However, despite all the solemnity of the moment, the New Year's table in most Soviet families remained quite modest. In the face of food shortages, housewives looked for various ways to create at least the appearance of holiday wealth. What did Soviet people sacrifice for this and what did the feast really look like?

The FoodOboz editorial team will tell you how Soviet families tried to create a festive atmosphere in the face of difficult shortages. From recipes made from simple products to the peculiarities of table setting, this article will tell you all the nuances.

Preparing for the holiday

Celebrating the New Year in the USSR required a lot of ingenuity. The main stock of food began to be created in the summer, when green peas, red caviar, or canned food could be found on store shelves. These products were carefully hidden on the mezzanine with strict instructions: "Do not touch, this is for the New Year!" Small oranges, if you could get them, became a real treasure.

The basis of the festive menu was the Olivier salad

Its popularity was explained by the availability of ingredients: potatoes, carrots, beets, green peas, and cooked sausage were among the few products that could be found on sale. The salad was dressed with mayonnaise, which in many cases was also bought in advance.

What was on the table

The New Year's table in the Soviet Union consisted mainly of what was available. Red caviar was often stored from the summer to become the main decoration of the table. Sweets such as candy or cookies were a luxury item that were laid out in small quantities to be enough for all the guests.

Alcohol also played an important role

Vodka, "Soviet Champagne" or Georgian cognac were considered attributes of the holiday. Hungarian liquor or a bottle of imported wine could appear on the table only by "blessing".

What the table looked like

The book table, which was taken out of its hiding places once a year, became a symbol of the New Year. It was spread out over half the room to accommodate all the guests. A white tablecloth, bright glasses, and old dishes complemented the festive atmosphere.

A holiday against all odds

Even in the absence of wealth, Soviet families knew how to create an atmosphere of warmth and joy. Preparing for the New Year was a special ritual, and the main achievement was not a luxurious feast, but the opportunity to spend the holiday with family and friends.