Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Plan: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Company
Throughout this festive time, while there's so much happening which even vivacious individuals may sometimes look forward to the quiet respite of the new year, it's very simple to neglect things. I believe I'm not the only one who has ever been jolted back to reality while at work by a text from a friend wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" Fear not; if you're forgetful, or just likely to make last-minute plans, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Memorable Gatherings
Firstly, though I can't emphasize this enough, if you've organized for months or only a short while, the best parties are the easiest. All anyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, and enough to eat that they don't end up chewing something during the ride back. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred food and a live band.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the easiest. Still, a theme helps to mask the fact you've only thrown this thing together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Focus Your Shopping
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal that you have just put the party on on the way from the office. By concept, I mean for example Christmas. Getting a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, with spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish plus crispbreads, folk tunes selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, cold beers and tequila drinks, along with heaps of snacks, tomato dip & avocado dip, with festive music in the background) can narrow your options during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Shopping to Support Your Gathering
At the shops, select a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one for others don't want to) and some nibbles that fit the theme, and get as many within your budget, rather than fretting about providing endless options. No thing appears more welcoming and as festive than plenty – I'd consistently rather to be welcomed with a sink filled with iced containers of competitively priced sparkling wine over a single glass with swanky bubbly. (Add some bags of ice, as well; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)
Cocktails & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and serve a special beverage, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a jug so you aren't left busying yourself with it when you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or friend to watch it then top up when needed till it runs out. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to take on a role during gatherings so they can enjoy some of goodwill.
For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you pick (they abound online), avoid any recipe too sweet – children there ought to have their own drinks – and if you own one, put flavor enhancers within reach (don't add any to the bowl since they are inappropriate for individuals abstaining from alcohol altogether). Put in some work with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a minute to add some slices of citrus to the punch.
Nibbles That Delight With Minimal Effort
In my view, I recommend passing on the store-bought platters of "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and usually require heating things up (if you must go this route, know that all guests secretly prefers toasted bread or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top two large dishes with decent chips (salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical bags of mixed nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, along with some pitted olives for color (try not to still be finding stones in odd places months later).
In case, like my mum, you don't consider chips real food, one large piece of good cheese served simply alongside crackers and some artfully draped grapes often appears visually appealing. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood arranged on it (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), or a nice pre-made pie, similar to that appear in specialty sections at this time of year, proves more filling, while you really won't fail by serving artisanal slices of Italian bread, since there's no need for spreading butter.
