Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Simple Hosting for Last-Minute Visitors
During this holiday season, while there's a lot going on which the most vivacious people might sometimes anticipate a calm break of January, it's all too easy to neglect details. I'm sure I'm not the sole one who has ever been surprised awake at my desk by an inquiry by a friend asking, "What time do you want us tonight?" No worries; if you're distracted, or simply inclined toward impromptu gatherings, I have your back.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Get-Togethers
First and foremost, though I cannot stress this sufficiently, if you've planned long in advance or just 15 minutes, the best events tend to be the simplest. All everyone is hoping for is a good chat, something to drink, plus sufficient food so they do not feel like gnawing something on the bus back. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering or entertainers.
The most successful parties are the easiest. That said, an idea is useful to mask the reality you have only put this thing on while coming after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Focus Your Preparations
Still, an overarching idea works well for disguising that you've just thrown this thing together while returning home from work. By concept, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, say, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, cured seafood and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, cold beers or margaritas, along with lots of snacks, salsa and green spread, and festive music on the stereo) will focus your choices during the necessary grocery run.
Smart Purchasing for Your Event
In the store, select one or two beverages (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for some don't want to) plus a couple of appetizers that match the theme, and buy a generous amount as you can afford, instead of fretting about giving people a wide selection. Nothing appears more abundant and as festive as a bounty – I would always prefer to arrive with a tub stocked with iced containers with affordable bubbly than a small serving of swanky bubbly. (Chuck in some bags of ice, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)
Cocktails & Party Beverages Streamlined
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and serve a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a big quantity in a container so that you're not stuck busying yourself with drinks when you ought to be having fun. Once underway, ask a significant other or volunteer to watch it then top up as necessary until it's gone. Follow suit with the alcohol-free option; people appreciate to have a job while socializing so they may experience the positive vibes.
Regarding punch, whichever recipe you choose (you can find plenty on the internet), skip anything excessively sweet – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and if you own one, place flavor enhancers close by (avoid adding any into the punch since they're inappropriate for people who do not consume alcohol altogether). Take care with presentation so the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived like an afterthought; just spend a minute to add some slices of fruit for garnish.
Food That Work Without Effort
In my view, I would avoid the pre-made trays of "party foods" available in shops at this time of year; they feel fancy, and frequently require turning the oven on (if you choose to go this route, remember that all guests truly likes garlic bread and/or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several really big dishes with tasty snacks (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, one of those large and economical packets of nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps a few pitted olives for colour (it's best to avoid to discover pits in odd places in the future).
In case, similar to some, you feel snacks real food, a single large piece of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit always looks visually appealing. A platter with some cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed on it (only one type, except if you have a large budget), alternatively an attractive pre-made pie, of the type that appear at delis seasonally, is even more substantial, while you truly won't fail by serving homestyle pieces of focaccia, because there's no need for additional preparation.
