Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Effortless Entertaining for Last-Minute Guests
During this holiday season, when there's a lot going on that even energetic individuals may occasionally look forward to the quiet respite of January, it is all too simple to overlook things. I'm sure I cannot be the sole one who's ever felt surprised awake while at my desk because of a text by someone wondering, "What time should we come us later?" Don't worry; if you are distracted, or just inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have you covered.
The Secret to Successful Gatherings
Firstly, though I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you have planned for a year versus only a short while, the most enjoyable events tend to be the most straightforward. What anyone really wants is pleasant conversation, something to sip, and enough nibbles that guests don't end up gnawing their arm during the ride back. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates a full bar, fancy food and musical performances.
The most successful gatherings tend to be the most basic. However, a concept is useful to mask the reality you have only thrown the party together on the way home from work.
Selecting a Theme to Guide The Party Planning
That said, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal that you've only put the party on while returning after work. By concept, think of such as the holidays. Getting a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring mulled wine, spiced punch, cured seafood plus crispbreads, folk tunes selection; or fiesta-style party, with holiday punch, chilled brews and cocktails, and plenty of corn chips, spicy sauce and guacamole, and Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow the selection during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Shopping for Your Gathering
At the shops, pick a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case others don't want to) plus some appetizers that fit the style, and buy a generous amount as possible, instead of stressing over providing too much choice. Nothing looks as generous and as festive than a bounty – I'd always prefer to arrive by a container filled with iced containers with affordable sparkling wine over one glass of expensive champagne. (Include several packs for chilling, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Punch Streamlined
Should you show off and serve a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a large batch in a container so that you're not left messing about with drinks while it's time to socializing. Once the party begins, enlist a close friend or volunteer to keep an eye on it then top up as necessary until it's finished. Do the same for the soft drink; people appreciate to be given a task while socializing so they may enjoy the positive vibes.
On the punch front, whichever mix you choose (they abound on the internet), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – young ones present need their own drinks – and if you have one, put aromatic bitters nearby (avoid adding any to the bowl as they're unsafe for individuals abstaining from drinks entirely). Take care with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a moment to slice some slices of citrus for garnish.
Snacks That Work With Minimal Preparation
In my view, I recommend passing on the store-bought platters of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as overly complicated, and usually require heating things up (should you go this route, be aware that all guests secretly favors herb bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats a couple of large containers with tasty crisps (simple will offend no one), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical bags of nuts typically found in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps a few ready-to-eat olives for color (it's best to avoid to discover stones around the house next Easter).
If, like my mum, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, one large piece of good cheese on a board with crackers and some beautifully placed fruit always looks painterly. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood displayed on it (only one type, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome ready-made pie, of the type that appear at delis seasonally, is even more substantial, while you truly can't go wrong with homestyle chunks of Italian bread, since they don't need additional preparation.
