Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Simple Entertaining for Unexpected Guests
During the busy period, when there's so much going on which even energetic people might sometimes long for a calm respite in the new year, it is all too easy to neglect things. I believe I'm not the sole one who's ever been startled back to reality at work because of a message by someone asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're absent minded, or just likely to make last-minute plans, I've got your back.
The Secret to Memorable Get-Togethers
Firstly, and I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you've planned long in advance or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events are the simplest. What anyone expects are a good chat, a drink to enjoy, plus sufficient food so they don't end up gnawing an arm off during the ride back. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet catering or entertainers.
The greatest gatherings are the simplest. However, an idea helps to cover up the reality you've just put the event together on the way home from work.
Choosing a Concept to Guide Your Party Planning
Still, a theme is helpful to conceal that you have just put the party together on the way from the office. By concept, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly focused (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus flatbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with holiday punch, chilled brews and margaritas, along with heaps of corn chips, salsa and green spread, with upbeat tunes playing) will focus your options on the inevitable grocery run.
Practical Purchasing to Support Your Event
In the store, select one or two beverages (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for others don't want to) and some appetizers that match the style, and buy a generous amount as you can afford, rather than worrying about offering guests a wide selection. No thing looks more welcoming and celebratory as plenty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed with a sink full of iced containers of competitively priced sparkling wine than a single glass of swanky bubbly. (Add a few bags of cubes, as well; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)
Beverages and Party Beverages Made Easy
If you must show off and provide a special beverage, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't stuck busying yourself with drinks when it's time to having fun. After starting, ask a close friend or helper to monitor the drinks then replenish if required till it's gone. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; people appreciate to have a task at a party so they may experience the goodwill.
Regarding punch, whichever mix you pick (they abound via search), steer clear of anything overly sugary – children there need their own drinks – and if you own one, place a bottle of bitters close by (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are unsafe for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Take care with presentation so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a minute to cut several pieces of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Delight With Minimal Preparation
Personally, I recommend passing on the readymade assortments with "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and frequently require heating things up (if you choose to do this, remember that everyone truly likes garlic bread or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced you can't beat two large bowls of tasty chips (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no issues, one of those big and excellent value containers with nuts typically found with global foods at the market, with perhaps some pitted olives for colour (it's best to avoid to find pits around the house next Easter).
In case, as my mother says, you think crisps real food, a single big slab of quality cheese on a board and crispbreads plus artfully draped fruit tends to seem artistic. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out on it (just one sort, except if money is no object), or a handsome pre-made pie, of the type available at delis during festivities, proves more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong by serving rustic slices of focaccia, since they don't need additional preparation.
