Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Stress-Free Hosting for Spontaneous Visitors
Throughout this busy season, when there is plenty happening which the most lively individuals may occasionally anticipate a quiet break of January, it is all too easy to overlook things. I expect I'm not the sole person who has once been surprised back to reality while at my desk because of a text from someone asking, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Don't worry; if you are distracted, and simply likely to make last-minute invitations, I've got some solutions.
The Key to Successful Parties
First and foremost, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, if you've planned for months or only a short while, the best events are the most straightforward. All anyone is hoping for is a good chat, a drink to drink, plus sufficient to eat that they don't feel like chewing their arm on the bus back. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects extensive drinks, fancy catering and a live band.
The greatest gatherings are the most basic. Still, an idea is useful to disguise the fact you've only put the party together on the way back from the office.
Selecting a Style to Guide Your Shopping
That said, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you have just put this thing on on the way from the office. And with a theme, I mean for example the holidays. Going a bit focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, cured seafood and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, refreshing lagers and cocktails, along with plenty of tortilla chips, salsa and green spread, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow the selection on the necessary shopping trip.
Smart Purchasing for The Event
In the store, pick a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case others don't want to) plus a few nibbles that match the style, and get a generous amount as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests too much choice. No thing appears more abundant and celebratory as abundance – I would always prefer to enter by a sink stocked with iced containers with affordable sparkling wine than a small serving with fancy bubbly. (Add some bags of ice, as well; you'll find never enough ice.)
Beverages & Party Beverages Made Easy
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, make sure to prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so you aren't stuck faffing around with it while it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a partner or volunteer to watch the drinks then replenish if required until it's gone. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; people appreciate to take on a job during gatherings allowing them to share in a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you choose (there are many online), skip any recipe excessively sweet – any kids present should have separate beverages – and if you own one, place aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting any into the punch since they're unsafe for people who avoid drinks altogether). Put in some work with presentation so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; it doesn't take a short time to slice several pieces of citrus for garnish.
Snacks That Shine Without Fuss
For me, I would avoid the store-bought assortments of "party foods" that appear in shops during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and usually require heating things up (if you choose to go this route, remember that all guests truly favors toasted bread or small hot dogs regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two large containers with decent crisps (plain salted is universally liked), and, provided there are no issues, some of those large and economical containers of nuts available in the international aisle in stores, and maybe some pitted olives for colour (you don't want to still be finding stones in your pot plants in the future).
If, like my mum, you feel chips substantial fare, one large piece of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads plus artfully draped fruit always looks painterly. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood arranged there (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), alternatively an attractive pre-made tart, of the type available at delis at this time of year, is even more satisfying, and you really will succeed by serving rustic slices of focaccia, since there's no need for buttering.
