Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Plan: Effortless Hosting for Last-Minute Guests
In this busy period, when there's so much happening that even energetic people might sometimes look forward to a quiet respite of the new year, it's all too simple to forget things. I'm sure I'm not the sole person who has ever been surprised back to reality while at work because of a message by a friend wondering, "What time should we come us later?" Don't worry; if you are absent minded, or simply prone to impromptu invitations, I've got you covered.
The Secret to Great Gatherings
First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, whether you've been planning long in advance or only a short while, the greatest parties tend to be the most straightforward. All anyone really wants are engaging talks, a drink to drink, plus sufficient nibbles so they don't end up chewing an arm off during the ride home. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody expects a full bar, gourmet food and entertainers.
The best parties are the simplest. Still, a concept helps to disguise the reality you have just put this thing together while coming back from the office.
Picking a Theme to Guide The Shopping
Still, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you have only thrown the party on while returning from the office. By concept, think of something like Christmas. Going a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and rye crackers, Nordic beats playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including ponche navideño, cold beers and cocktails, and heaps of snacks, salsa & avocado dip, and upbeat tunes playing) can narrow your choices during the inevitable shopping trip.
Smart Purchasing to Support The Gathering
In the store, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case others prefer not to) and some snacks suited to the style, and purchase a generous amount as you can afford, instead of stressing over giving people a wide selection. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory as plenty – I would consistently prefer to enter by a sink full of cold bottles with affordable bubbly than a small serving with fancy champagne. (Include a few bags of ice, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Punch Made Easy
Should you impress and offer a special beverage, then mix in advance a big quantity in a container so you're not stuck messing about with it while you should be having fun. After starting, ask a partner or friend to watch it and replenish if required until it runs out. Do the same with the soft drink; guests love to have a job during gatherings so they can enjoy a share of festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you go for (there are many online), skip anything overly sugary – any kids there should have their own drinks – and should you own one, place flavor enhancers nearby (refrain from putting them into the punch as they are unsafe for those who do not consume drinks altogether). Take care with how it looks so the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem like an afterthought; it doesn't take a moment to slice a few rounds of citrus into the bowl.
Nibbles That Shine Without Effort
In my view, I would avoid the pre-made platters with "party foods" that appear in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as fancy, and frequently require heating things up (if you must do this, remember that everyone quietly favors garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top two sizable bowls of decent crisps (salted will offend no one), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical bags of nuts typically found with global foods in stores, and maybe a few pitted olives for color (you don't want to discover pits in odd places in the future).
If, like my mum, you think snacks proper food, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some artfully draped grapes tends to seem painterly. A plate with some cured or cooked meats or fish arranged there (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome pre-made pastry, like those available on deli counters during festivities, is even more satisfying, and you really will succeed with rustic chunks of flatbread, since they don't need spreading butter.
