Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Last-Minute Visitors
During the festive time, when there's so much happening which even lively people may sometimes anticipate the quiet respite of January, it is all too easy to forget details. I believe I cannot be the only one who's ever been startled awake while at my desk by an inquiry from a friend wondering, "What time are we expected over later?" Don't worry; whether you're forgetful, and simply inclined toward impromptu invitations, I've got you covered.
The Secret to Successful Parties
First and foremost, though I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have organized long in advance versus only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties are the most straightforward. What anyone expects are a good chat, a drink to sip, plus enough to eat that guests don't feel like chewing their arm during the bus home. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet food and entertainers.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the easiest. That said, an idea helps to cover up the reality you've just put this thing together while coming home from work.
Choosing a Theme to Focus Your Preparations
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to hide that you've only put this thing together on the way home from work. By concept, I mean for example Christmas. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, spiced punch, smoked fish plus rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; or Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, chilled brews and tequila drinks, along with plenty of tortilla chips, tomato dip & avocado dip, with Luis Miguel in the background) can narrow your choices during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Strategic Shopping for Your Event
While shopping, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, one not in case some don't want to) plus some nibbles that fit your concept, and get as much of them as you can afford, instead of worrying about giving people a wide selection. No thing appears more welcoming and as festive as a bounty – I would consistently prefer to enter with a container full of chilled bottles with affordable bubbly than a single glass with swanky bubbly. (Add several packs of ice, as well; there is never enough ice.)
Beverages and Party Beverages Streamlined
Should you demonstrate skills and provide a mixed drink, make sure to pre-mix a sizable amount in a container so that you aren't left messing about with it while you ought to be socializing. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or helper to watch it then replenish when needed until it runs out. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to be given a job at a party so they can enjoy the goodwill.
On the punch front, whatever formula you go for (you can find plenty via search), avoid anything too sweet – young ones there ought to have their own drinks – and should you have one, plonk flavor enhancers close by (refrain from putting any in the mix since they're not suitable for people who do not consume alcohol altogether). Put in some work in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel neglected; just spend a short time to add several pieces of fruit to the punch.
Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Fuss
Personally, I'd skip the readymade platters of "party foods" available in shops seasonally; they come across as fancy, and usually require heating things up (if you choose to go this route, know that everyone truly prefers garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat two sizable containers with tasty crisps (simple pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no allergies, one of those big and excellent value bags of mixed nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, along with some pitted olives as a garnish (try not to find pits in odd places months later).
If, similar to some, you don't consider snacks real food, one large piece of quality cheese on a board with crackers plus elegantly arranged grapes tends to seem painterly. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood displayed there (only one type, except if you're wealthy), or a handsome pre-made tart, like those that pop up on deli counters seasonally, is even more filling, and you really won't fail with homestyle chunks of Italian bread, because they don't need spreading butter.
