Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Effortless Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
Throughout this busy time, while there's so much going on that the most vivacious individuals might sometimes anticipate a calm break in January, it's all too simple to forget things. I'm sure I cannot be the sole one who has ever felt startled back to reality while at my desk because of a message by someone wondering, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; whether you're absent minded, or just likely to make impromptu gatherings, I have some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Successful Gatherings
Firstly, and I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, if you've been planning for months or only a quarter-hour, the best events are the most straightforward. All everyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, something to drink, plus sufficient food so they don't end up gnawing their arm on the bus home. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred food and entertainers.
The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. However, an idea helps to disguise the fact you've just thrown the event together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Style to Direct The Shopping
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you have just put the party on on the way home from work. And by theme, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Latin American celebration, including traditional drink, chilled brews and margaritas, along with plenty of snacks, salsa and guacamole, and Luis Miguel playing) helps direct your choices during the inevitable grocery run.
Strategic Shopping to Support Your Event
At the shops, pick one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) plus a couple of snacks that fit the theme, then get as many as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests endless options. No thing looks more abundant and celebratory than abundance – I'd consistently prefer to arrive with a tub stocked with iced containers with affordable bubbly than one glass with expensive champagne. (Add several packs for chilling, as well; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
Should you impress and provide a cocktail, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't left busying yourself with preparation when you should be having fun. Once underway, enlist a significant other or friend to monitor it then top up as necessary till it's finished. Do the same with the soft drink; people appreciate to have a role at a party so they can experience some of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whichever mix you pick (they abound via search), avoid anything too sweet – children present need their own drinks – and if it's available, place flavor enhancers within reach (don't add them into the punch since they're inappropriate for those abstaining from drinks entirely). Make an effort with presentation so the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; it only takes a minute to slice several pieces of fruit to the punch.
Food That Shine With Minimal Effort
In my view, I'd skip the readymade platters with "party foods" available at grocery stores at this time of year; they come across as overly complicated, and usually involve turning the oven on (should you opt for these, know that all guests quietly likes herb bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). I truly believe you can't beat a couple of really big containers with good-quality crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value containers with nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, with perhaps a few olives without stones for color (it's best to avoid to still be finding pits in odd places in the future).
If, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks proper food, one sizeable chunk of tasty cheese served simply alongside crackers and some beautifully placed fruit tends to seem painterly. A platter with some cured or cooked meats or fish arranged on it (just one sort, except if you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive ready-made pastry, like those that appear on deli counters seasonally, proves more satisfying, and you really can't go wrong by serving homestyle chunks of flatbread, because they require no additional preparation.
