Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Strategy: Stress-Free Entertaining for Spontaneous Visitors
In the busy season, when there's plenty going on which the most lively people might occasionally anticipate a calm respite of January, it's all too easy to forget things. I expect I cannot be the only person who's once felt surprised back to reality at my desk because of a message by a friend wondering, "What time should we come us later?" Don't worry; if you're distracted, and simply inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have you covered.
The Secret to Successful Get-Togethers
First and foremost, though I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, if you've been planning for months versus only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the simplest. All anyone really wants are a good chat, a drink to enjoy, and enough to eat that they do not feel like gnawing their arm during the bus back. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, nobody expects professional bartending, gourmet catering and entertainers.
The best parties tend to be the simplest. That said, an idea helps to mask the reality you've only put this thing together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Guide The Shopping
That said, a theme works well for disguising the fact you've just thrown this thing together while returning after work. By concept, I mean something like Christmas. Getting slightly focused (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks and rye crackers, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, cold beers and tequila drinks, and heaps of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and green spread, with upbeat tunes on the stereo) helps direct your options during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Buying for Your Gathering
At the shops, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one for some prefer not to) plus a couple of snacks that fit the style, then buy as much of them as possible, instead of stressing over providing a wide selection. No thing looks as generous and cheerful than abundance – I'd consistently prefer to arrive with a container stocked with cold bottles of reasonably priced sparkling wine over a single glass with swanky champagne. (Add a few bags for chilling, as well; there is seldom enough ice.)
Cocktails & Punch Streamlined
If you must show off and offer a special beverage, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a pitcher so you're not left busying yourself with it while it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, request a significant other or volunteer to monitor it and top up as necessary until it runs out. Do the same with the alcohol-free option; guests love to have a job at a party so they may enjoy some of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever recipe you go for (there are many via search), skip any recipe overly sugary – any kids present need separate beverages – and should you have one, put aromatic bitters close by (don't add any in the mix as they're unsafe for individuals abstaining from alcohol entirely). Make an effort with presentation so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a short time to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange to the punch.
Food That Delight Without Effort
For me, I'd skip the pre-made platters with "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they seem overly complicated, and usually require using the oven (if you must do this, be aware that everyone truly favors herb bread or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced nothing beats several large dishes with tasty crisps (salted will offend no one), and, assuming no allergies, a package of great-value containers of mixed nuts often sold with global foods at the market, and maybe a few olives without stones as a garnish (try not to still be finding pits around the house next Easter).
If, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks proper food, one big slab of quality cheese on a board with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks painterly. A serving dish with some salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed on it (a single variety, unless you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive ready-made pie, similar to available in specialty sections at this time of year, is more filling, and you really can't go wrong with rustic pieces of focaccia, since they require no buttering.