Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Plan: Effortless Entertaining for Last-Minute Company
During this festive period, when there's plenty going on that the most vivacious individuals might occasionally anticipate a quiet break in January, it is very easy to overlook things. I expect I'm not the only person who has once been startled awake while at my desk because of a message by someone wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" Don't worry; if you are absent minded, or just inclined toward spontaneous gatherings, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Great Get-Togethers
Above all, though I cannot stress this enough, if you have planned long in advance or just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events tend to be the most straightforward. What everyone really wants are engaging talks, something to sip, and enough to eat so they do not feel like chewing their arm during the bus home. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates a full bar, gourmet catering and entertainers.
The best gatherings are the most basic. Still, an idea helps to disguise the reality you have only thrown the party on on the way after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Focus The Shopping
Nevertheless, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you have just put the party on while returning from the office. And with a theme, I mean something like the holidays. Getting a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, chilled brews and margaritas, along with plenty of corn chips, salsa and green spread, and Luis Miguel in the background) helps direct your options during the necessary supermarket sweep.
Practical Shopping for The Party
While shopping, choose one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for others prefer not to) plus a couple of appetizers that match the style, then buy a generous amount as you can afford, instead of worrying about giving people endless options. Nothing appears as generous and celebratory than plenty – I would always prefer to arrive with a sink full of iced containers with affordable sparkling wine over a single glass with swanky champagne. (Include some bags of ice, too; there is seldom enough ice.)
Beverages & Punch Made Easy
If you feel the need to show off and serve a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a sizable amount in a pitcher so you're not stuck busying yourself with preparation when it's time to enjoying yourself. After starting, request a close friend or helper to keep an eye on the drinks and top up if required until it runs out. Follow suit for the soft drink; people love to have a job while socializing so they may experience the positive vibes.
On the punch front, whichever mix you pick (there are many online), skip any recipe too sweet – any kids present ought to have their own drinks – and if you own one, plonk flavor enhancers nearby (don't add them into the punch since they're unsafe for individuals who avoid alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; just spend a moment to cut some slices of lemon or orange to the punch.
Snacks That Work Without Fuss
Personally, I'd skip the store-bought platters of "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they feel overly complicated, and usually involve using the oven (should you go this route, be aware that all guests secretly prefers herb bread or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of sizable dishes of good-quality crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those big and excellent value packets of nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, and maybe some olives without stones as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover stones in your pot plants in the future).
In case, similar to some, you think snacks real food, one large piece of quality cheese on a board and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged fruit tends to seem artistic. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood displayed on it (only one type, except if you have a large budget), or a handsome pre-made pie, like those available in specialty sections seasonally, is even more satisfying, and you truly won't fail with homestyle chunks of focaccia, because they require no spreading butter.
