Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Stress-Free Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors
Throughout this festive season, while there's so much happening which even vivacious people may occasionally anticipate the quiet respite in the new year, it's all too simple to overlook things. I believe I'm not the sole person who's ever felt jolted back to reality while at work by a text by a friend wondering, "What time should we come us later?" Don't worry; whether you're forgetful, or simply prone to spontaneous invitations, I've got some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Successful Parties
Above all, though I cannot stress this sufficiently, if you have planned for a year or just 15 minutes, the greatest parties tend to be the simplest. What anyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, and sufficient nibbles so guests do not end up gnawing something during the bus back. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred catering and musical performances.
The greatest parties are the simplest. Still, a theme helps to mask the fact you've just thrown the event together while coming back from the office.
Choosing a Concept to Direct The Preparations
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you've just put this thing on on the way home from work. By concept, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, featuring glögg, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish and crispbreads, Nordic beats selection; or Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers or cocktails, and lots of corn chips, spicy sauce and avocado dip, and festive music in the background) can narrow your choices during the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Shopping for The Party
While shopping, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for others prefer not to) plus a few nibbles that match the theme, and purchase as many as possible, rather than stressing over providing too much choice. Nothing looks more abundant and as festive than abundance – I would consistently rather to arrive with a container filled with cold bottles with reasonably priced crémant or cava than a small serving with fancy champagne. (Add a few bags for chilling, too; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
If you feel the need to impress and serve a special beverage, make sure to prepare ahead a large batch in a pitcher so you're not left messing about with preparation when you should be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a partner or volunteer to keep an eye on the drinks then refill if required until it's finished. Do the same with the soft drink; people enjoy to take on a task during gatherings allowing them to experience a share of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whichever mix you go for (there are many online), avoid anything too sweet – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and should it's available, place aromatic bitters nearby (avoid adding any into the punch as they are unsafe for people who do not consume alcohol altogether). Put in some work in presenting it so the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to cut some slices of citrus for garnish.
Food That Work Without Effort
For me, I recommend passing on the pre-made trays with "party foods" available in shops seasonally; they feel fussy, and usually require using the oven (should you opt for these, remember that everyone secretly favors herb bread or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of large containers with tasty crisps (plain salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no allergies, one of those great-value packets of mixed nuts typically found with global foods at the market, along with a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to discover stones around the house in the future).
If, like my mum, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of good cheese on a board and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood arranged there (only one type, except if you're wealthy), or a handsome store-bought pie, of the type that pop up in specialty sections at this time of year, is even more substantial, while you really will succeed with rustic slices of Italian bread, because there's no need for spreading butter.
