Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Company
In the holiday time, when there's so much going on that even energetic individuals might occasionally long for the quiet break in the new year, it's very simple to neglect things. I expect I'm not the sole person who has once felt surprised back to reality while at my desk because of a text from a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" Don't worry; whether you're forgetful, or simply likely to make spontaneous gatherings, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Gatherings
Firstly, and I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you have organized for a year or only a quarter-hour, the greatest events are the most straightforward. What everyone is hoping for is a good chat, a drink to sip, and enough food that guests do not end up chewing something during the bus home. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering or entertainers.
The most successful gatherings are the easiest. However, an idea helps to cover up the fact you've only thrown this thing on while coming after a long day.
Picking a Theme to Guide The Shopping
Nevertheless, a theme works well to conceal that you have only thrown this thing together while returning from the office. By concept, I mean for example Christmas. Getting slightly more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish plus flatbreads, folk tunes selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, cold beers or margaritas, along with lots of tortilla chips, tomato dip and guacamole, with upbeat tunes playing) will focus your choices on the inevitable shopping trip.
Strategic Shopping for Your Gathering
While shopping, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for drinkers, one not in case some don't want to) and a couple of nibbles suited to the style, and buy as much of them as you can afford, rather than fretting about giving people too much choice. Nothing appears more welcoming and cheerful as abundance – I would always prefer to be welcomed with a sink full of chilled bottles of affordable sparkling wine over a small serving with swanky champagne. (Include several packs of ice, too; there is never sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Punch Simplified
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, then pre-mix a big quantity in a pitcher so that you're not left messing about with drinks when you ought to be enjoying yourself. After starting, ask a significant other or friend to monitor the drinks and replenish if required until it's gone. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; people appreciate to have a task at a party so they may enjoy a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you go for (there are many via search), skip anything too sweet – young ones there ought to have their own drinks – and should you have one, put aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding them to the bowl since they are not suitable for those who do not consume drinks altogether). Take care with presentation so the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to slice a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Delight Without Preparation
In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade assortments with "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores during the holidays; they seem fancy, and usually require heating things up (should you opt for these, be aware that all guests secretly likes herb bread and/or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat a couple of sizable bowls of tasty crisps (simple is universally liked), and, provided there are no issues, some of those great-value packets of nuts typically found in the South Asian section in stores, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives for color (you don't want to find pits in odd places next Easter).
In case, as my mother says, you think snacks proper food, a single big slab of good cheese on a board and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit always looks visually appealing. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon displayed on it (a single variety, unless money is no object), alternatively a nice ready-made pastry, similar to available in specialty sections seasonally, is even more substantial, while you truly will succeed by serving rustic slices of flatbread, since they require no buttering.
