Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Plan: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Company
During the busy period, when there is a lot happening that even vivacious individuals might occasionally long for a calm break in the new year, it's all too simple to forget details. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has ever been jolted back to reality at my desk because of a text by someone asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" No worries; if you're distracted, or simply inclined toward last-minute gatherings, I have you covered.
The Secret to Great Get-Togethers
First and foremost, and I can't stress this enough, whether you've organized for months or only a quarter-hour, the best parties are the most straightforward. What everyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, and enough nibbles so guests don't end up gnawing their arm on the ride back. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet catering and a live band.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the easiest. Still, an idea is useful to mask the fact you've just put the party on on the way back from the office.
Selecting a Style to Guide The Party Planning
Still, a theme can be useful to hide that you've just thrown this thing together while returning after work. And by theme, think of for example the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood plus rye crackers, Scandinavian music playlist; or Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, cold beers and margaritas, along with lots of corn chips, salsa and avocado dip, with festive music playing) can narrow your choices during the upcoming shopping trip.
Practical Shopping to Support Your Gathering
At the shops, pick a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for others avoid alcohol) and some nibbles that match the theme, and get as much of them within your budget, rather than worrying about giving people too much choice. Nothing looks more welcoming and as festive than a bounty – I'd always prefer to arrive by a container stocked with iced containers of affordable sparkling wine than one glass with swanky bubbly. (Add some bags for chilling, as well; there is seldom enough ice.)
Drinks & Party Beverages Made Easy
If you feel the need to impress and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a large batch in a pitcher so you're not stuck faffing around with preparation while it's time to enjoying yourself. Once underway, ask a close friend or friend to monitor the drinks and replenish if required until it's finished. Follow suit for the soft drink; people love to have a role at a party allowing them to experience the festive spirit.
On the punch front, whatever formula you pick (they abound online), avoid any recipe overly sugary – children present ought to have their own drinks – and should you have one, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding them into the punch since they're inappropriate for people who do not consume alcohol altogether). Put in some work with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem like an afterthought; it doesn't take a minute to cut several pieces of citrus to the punch.
Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Preparation
Personally, I'd skip the store-bought assortments of "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they seem fussy, and usually involve heating things up (if you must opt for these, know that everyone secretly favors garlic bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat several really big bowls with good-quality chips (salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no issues, one of those great-value bags of nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, along with a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to still be finding pits around the house next Easter).
If, like my mum, you think crisps real food, one sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a platter and crispbreads plus beautifully placed grapes always looks visually appealing. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon arranged on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), or an attractive pre-made pastry, of the type available in specialty sections at this time of year, is more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong by serving rustic pieces of flatbread, since they don't need spreading butter.
