Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
During the busy period, while there is so much going on that even lively people might occasionally look forward to a quiet break of January, it's very simple to neglect details. I expect I'm not the only one who's ever felt surprised awake at my desk by a message by someone asking, "What time should we come over later?" Don't worry; if you are absent minded, or simply prone to impromptu invitations, I've got some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Parties
Firstly, though I cannot stress this enough, whether you have been planning for months versus just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. What anyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, and enough nibbles that guests do not feel like chewing their arm on the ride back. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates a full bar, gourmet food or musical performances.
The greatest gatherings are the simplest. However, a concept is useful to cover up the reality you've only put the event together while coming home from work.
Choosing a Style to Direct Your Party Planning
That said, an overarching idea works well to conceal that you have just put the party on on the way home from work. By concept, I mean such as Christmas. Going slightly focused (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; or fiesta-style party, including ponche navideño, chilled brews or margaritas, along with plenty of snacks, spicy sauce & avocado dip, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) can narrow the selection on the upcoming grocery run.
Strategic Purchasing to Support Your Party
In the store, select one or two beverages (one alcoholic for those who do, one not in case others avoid alcohol) plus a couple of appetizers that fit your concept, and purchase as much of them as possible, instead of stressing over offering guests endless options. Nothing looks as generous and celebratory than a bounty – I would always rather to enter by a sink full of cold bottles of affordable crémant or cava than one glass of fancy champagne. (Chuck in a few bags for chilling, too; there is never plenty of ice.)
Drinks & Party Beverages Made Easy
If you must impress and provide a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a large batch in a pitcher so that you aren't left messing about with preparation while you should be socializing. After starting, ask a close friend or helper to keep an eye on the drinks then refill when needed until it runs out. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to be given a job during gatherings allowing them to enjoy a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you pick (there are many via search), skip anything overly sugary – young ones present should have separate beverages – and should you have one, plonk aromatic bitters within reach (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are not suitable for people who avoid drinks entirely). Put in some work with how it looks so that the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; just spend a moment to add some slices of lemon or orange to the punch.
Food That Delight Without Preparation
Personally, I recommend passing on the pre-made assortments with "party foods" that appear in supermarkets seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and often involve turning the oven on (if you must do this, know that everyone secretly likes garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of large containers of tasty crisps (simple pleases everyone), plus, assuming no allergies, one of those large and economical bags of nuts often sold in the South Asian section at the market, along with a few olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding pits around the house in the future).
In case, as my mother says, you think snacks substantial fare, a single big slab of good cheese on a board alongside crackers plus beautifully placed fruit often appears visually appealing. A plate with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood displayed on it (just one sort, except if money is no object), or an attractive store-bought tart, like those that pop up in specialty sections at this time of year, is more substantial, while you truly can't go wrong with artisanal pieces of Italian bread, since they don't need additional preparation.