Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors
In this busy period, when there's so much happening that even lively individuals might occasionally look forward to the calm break of the new year, it is very simple to overlook things. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has once been surprised back to reality at work by a message by someone asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" Don't worry; if you're distracted, or simply likely to make spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Gatherings
First and foremost, and I can't stress this sufficiently, whether you have organized for months versus only a short while, the most enjoyable parties are the easiest. What anyone really wants is engaging talks, a drink to sip, plus enough food that they don't end up chewing their arm on the ride back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, nobody expects extensive drinks, fancy food and musical performances.
The most successful parties tend to be the simplest. That said, a concept helps to mask the fact you have just put the event together on the way back from the office.
Choosing a Theme to Direct The Shopping
Still, a theme works well for disguising that you have only put this thing on while returning from the office. By concept, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers and cocktails, and lots of tortilla chips, salsa & green spread, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) will focus the selection on the upcoming shopping trip.
Smart Shopping for The Event
While shopping, choose one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case others prefer not to) and a couple of snacks suited to the style, and get as many as possible, instead of stressing over offering guests too much choice. Nothing appears more welcoming and cheerful than a bounty ā I'd consistently rather to enter by a container stocked with cold bottles of affordable sparkling wine over one glass with expensive bubbly. (Chuck in a few bags for chilling, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you must demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, then pre-mix a big quantity in a pitcher so you're not stuck busying yourself with it when you should be having fun. After starting, enlist a close friend or helper to keep an eye on the drinks and refill as necessary until it runs out. Follow suit with the soft drink; guests appreciate to have a role during gatherings allowing them to experience some of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever formula you pick (you can find plenty via search), avoid anything excessively sweet ā any kids there need separate beverages ā and if it's available, put a bottle of bitters within reach (don't add any in the mix since they are unsafe for people who avoid alcohol entirely). Make an effort with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to add several pieces of lemon or orange for garnish.
Snacks That Shine With Minimal Fuss
Personally, I'd skip the store-bought assortments of "party foods" available at grocery stores at this time of year; they come across as fancy, and often involve heating things up (should you do this, remember that everyone secretly prefers garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of large containers of tasty snacks (salted is universally liked), plus, assuming no issues, a package of big and excellent value bags of nuts available with global foods of supermarkets, and maybe a few ready-to-eat olives for colour (it's best to avoid to discover stones around the house months later).
In case, like my mum, you think snacks real food, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes often appears visually appealing. A serving dish with some salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed there (just one sort, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a nice ready-made pie, similar to available at delis at this time of year, is even more filling, and you truly can't go wrong with rustic pieces of flatbread, since there's no need for additional preparation.
