Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Simple Hosting for Spontaneous Guests
Throughout this festive season, when there's a lot happening which even lively people may sometimes long for the calm break in January, it's all too easy to neglect details. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who's ever felt jolted awake at my desk because of a message by a friend asking, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; if you're distracted, or simply inclined toward last-minute gatherings, I've got you covered.
The Key to Successful Get-Togethers
Above all, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you've planned long in advance or just 15 minutes, the best events are the easiest. What everyone expects is a good chat, something to sip, plus enough nibbles that they don't feel like chewing something during the bus back. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates a full bar, gourmet food or entertainers.
The most successful parties are the most basic. Still, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you've only put this thing on on the way home from work.
Choosing a Theme to Guide Your Party Planning
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful to conceal that you have only put the party on while returning from the office. And by theme, think of such as Christmas. Going a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, cold beers or cocktails, and plenty of corn chips, salsa and green spread, and festive music on the stereo) can narrow the selection during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Strategic Shopping to Support Your Gathering
In the store, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for others avoid alcohol) plus a couple of appetizers that fit your concept, then purchase a generous amount as you can afford, instead of worrying about offering guests too much choice. Nothing appears more abundant and cheerful than abundance – I would consistently prefer to arrive by a sink stocked with chilled bottles of affordable bubbly over one glass with swanky champagne. (Add a few bags of ice, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Simplified
If you feel the need to impress and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a jug so you aren't left faffing around with drinks while you should be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or volunteer to watch it and replenish when needed till it runs out. Do the same with the soft drink; guests love to take on a job while socializing so they can share in a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whichever formula you go for (you can find plenty on the internet), avoid any recipe too sweet – any kids there ought to have their own drinks – and if it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters close by (don't add any into the punch since they are unsafe for individuals who avoid drinks entirely). Take care in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; it only takes a minute to slice several pieces of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Nibbles That Shine Without Preparation
Personally, I'd skip the store-bought trays of "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and usually require using the oven (if you must go this route, be aware that everyone quietly favors garlic bread and/or mini sausages anyway). I truly believe nothing beats two sizable dishes of tasty crisps (simple will offend no one), plus, provided there are no allergies, some of those large and economical packets of nuts typically found in the South Asian section in stores, and maybe a few ready-to-eat olives for color (try not to discover pits around the house months later).
In case, as my mother says, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus beautifully placed grapes always looks visually appealing. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared meats or fish laid out on it (just one sort, unless you're wealthy), or an attractive ready-made pie, of the type that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is even more substantial, while you truly won't fail by serving artisanal chunks of flatbread, because there's no need for additional preparation.
