Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Strategy: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Guests
During this busy period, while there is so much happening that even energetic people might occasionally anticipate a calm respite of the new year, it's very easy to neglect things. I believe I'm not the sole person who has once been startled awake while at my desk because of a message by a friend asking, "What time do you want us tonight?" Fear not; whether you are distracted, or just inclined toward last-minute plans, I've got some solutions.
The Key to Memorable Gatherings
Above all, though I can't emphasize it enough, if you've been planning for a year or just a short while, the best parties tend to be the easiest. What everyone is hoping for are a good chat, a drink to enjoy, and sufficient to eat so they do not end up chewing their arm on the bus back. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, nobody expects professional bartending, gourmet catering and entertainers.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the most basic. However, an idea helps to cover up the reality you've just thrown the event on on the way back from the office.
Choosing a Concept to Guide The Shopping
That said, a theme can be useful to conceal that you have just thrown the party together while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean such as the holidays. Getting a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring glögg, spiced punch, cured seafood and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; or fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, cold beers or margaritas, and plenty of snacks, spicy sauce and guacamole, and Luis Miguel in the background) will focus your options during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Buying for The Party
In the store, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for others don't want to) and a few appetizers that match the style, then buy a generous amount within your budget, rather than worrying about providing a wide selection. Nothing looks more abundant and as festive as plenty – I'd always prefer to enter by a sink full of chilled bottles with affordable crémant or cava over a small serving of swanky bubbly. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)
Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy
Should you demonstrate skills and offer a cocktail, then pre-mix a big quantity in a container so that you aren't stuck busying yourself with drinks while it's time to having fun. After starting, enlist a partner or helper to watch it then top up if required until it runs out. Follow suit with the alcohol-free option; people love to have a task at a party allowing them to experience a share of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever mix you go for (there are many online), skip any recipe excessively sweet – children present ought to have kid-friendly options – and if it's available, put flavor enhancers nearby (avoid adding any into the punch as they're not suitable for individuals who do not consume alcohol altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so the soft punch isn't perceived unimportant; it only takes a short time to cut a few rounds of citrus to the punch.
Nibbles That Delight With Minimal Fuss
For me, I'd skip the store-bought assortments of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets during the holidays; they feel fussy, and often involve turning the oven on (should you opt for these, remember that everyone quietly likes toasted bread or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of really big containers of tasty chips (plain salted is universally liked), and, assuming no issues, a package of big and excellent value bags of nuts often sold with global foods in stores, with perhaps a few olives without stones for colour (it's best to avoid to still be finding pits in your pot plants next Easter).
If, as my mother says, you think snacks substantial fare, one large piece of quality cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged fruit tends to seem painterly. A plate with some salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood arranged on it (a single variety, except if money is no object), or a handsome ready-made tart, of the type available in specialty sections at this time of year, is more satisfying, and you really will succeed with rustic slices of flatbread, since they don't need buttering.
