Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Plan: Stress-Free Hosting for Last-Minute Visitors
In this holiday period, when there is plenty happening which the most energetic individuals may sometimes look forward to a quiet break in January, it is all too easy to forget things. I'm sure I'm not the sole person who has once been surprised back to reality while at work because of an inquiry by someone asking, "What time are we expected us later?" Fear not; whether you are absent minded, or just prone to spontaneous plans, I have you covered.
The Golden Rule to Great Parties
Firstly, though I can't stress it enough, if you have been planning for months or just a quarter-hour, the best events are the simplest. What anyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus sufficient to eat so they do not feel like chewing an arm off on the bus back. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates professional bartending, fancy food or a live band.
The most successful gatherings are the simplest. However, a concept helps to disguise the reality you've just thrown the party together while coming after a long day.
Choosing a Concept to Guide Your Shopping
Nevertheless, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal that you have just thrown the party on on the way from the office. By concept, I mean for example Christmas. Getting a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish and rye crackers, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, including traditional drink, chilled brews and cocktails, and heaps of corn chips, spicy sauce and guacamole, and festive music on the stereo) helps direct the selection on the necessary supermarket sweep.
Smart Purchasing for The Party
While shopping, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, one not for others prefer not to) and a few nibbles that fit your concept, and purchase as much of them within your budget, rather than stressing over giving people endless options. Nothing looks as generous and as festive as abundance – I'd consistently rather to be welcomed by a container full of chilled bottles with reasonably priced crémant or cava than a small serving of fancy bubbly. (Include a few bags of cubes, too; there is never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you feel the need to impress and serve a special beverage, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a container so you aren't left busying yourself with it when it's time to enjoying yourself. After starting, ask a close friend or volunteer to keep an eye on it then replenish as necessary until it runs out. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to take on a job at a party allowing them to experience some of festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whatever formula you go for (there are many via search), skip anything excessively sweet – children present need kid-friendly options – and should you have one, put a bottle of bitters nearby (refrain from putting any in the mix as they are unsafe for people abstaining from drinks entirely). Make an effort with how it looks so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a moment to slice a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Delight With Minimal Preparation
Personally, I recommend passing on the pre-made assortments with "party foods" available at grocery stores seasonally; they feel fancy, and frequently involve using the oven (should you go this route, be aware that everyone truly prefers garlic bread or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced you can't beat two large containers of tasty crisps (plain salted will offend no one), and, assuming no allergies, a package of great-value containers with nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, and maybe some pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to find pits around the house months later).
If, as my mother says, you think chips real food, a single large piece of tasty cheese served simply and crispbreads plus artfully draped grapes tends to seem artistic. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish arranged on it (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or an attractive store-bought tart, like those that pop up on deli counters at this time of year, proves more substantial, and you really can't go wrong by serving homestyle chunks of focaccia, because they don't need additional preparation.
