Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Stress-Free Entertaining for Last-Minute Company
In the busy time, while there's plenty going on which the most energetic people might sometimes anticipate the quiet respite of the new year, it's very simple to forget details. I expect I'm not the only one who's once been surprised awake at work because of an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time do you want us later?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, and just prone to spontaneous plans, I have you covered.
The Key to Great Parties
First and foremost, though I cannot stress it sufficiently, if you have been planning for months or just a short while, the best events are the easiest. All anyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to sip, and sufficient to eat so they do not feel like chewing an arm off during the bus home. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody expects extensive drinks, fancy food and musical performances.
The greatest gatherings are the easiest. That said, an idea is useful to mask the fact you've just put the event together on the way back from the office.
Selecting a Concept to Direct Your Preparations
Nevertheless, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you've just thrown the party on while returning home from work. And with a theme, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with spiced drink, warm beverage, cured seafood plus rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, chilled brews or tequila drinks, along with plenty of corn chips, tomato dip and green spread, with Luis Miguel in the background) will focus your options on the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Smart Buying to Support The Event
In the store, choose a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, one not in case others prefer not to) plus some snacks suited to your concept, and purchase a generous amount as possible, rather than fretting about offering guests too much choice. Nothing looks more abundant and cheerful as a bounty – I'd always rather to be welcomed with a sink filled with chilled bottles of affordable crémant or cava than a single glass of expensive bubbly. (Chuck in some bags of cubes, as well; there is seldom enough ice.)
Beverages and Punch Simplified
If you must show off and serve a mixed drink, make sure to mix in advance a large batch in a container so that you're not left messing about with it when you ought to be having fun. Once underway, enlist a close friend or helper to watch the drinks then replenish as necessary until it's finished. Do the same with the soft drink; guests appreciate to be given a job at a party allowing them to enjoy a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whatever mix you go for (they abound via search), steer clear of anything excessively sweet – young ones present need separate beverages – and if you own one, plonk flavor enhancers nearby (don't add any to the bowl since they're unsafe for individuals who avoid drinks altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem like an afterthought; it doesn't take a minute to slice a few rounds of lemon or orange to the punch.
Snacks That Delight With Minimal Effort
Personally, I recommend passing on the readymade trays with "party foods" available at grocery stores seasonally; they feel fancy, and often require using the oven (if you choose to do this, remember that everyone truly likes herb bread and/or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat several sizable dishes of tasty snacks (simple pleases everyone), and, provided there are no allergies, a package of big and excellent value packets with nuts available in the South Asian section at the market, and maybe a few olives without stones for color (try not to find pits in your pot plants next Easter).
In case, as my mother says, you think chips real food, a single large piece of quality cheese on a platter and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged grapes often appears visually appealing. A plate featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon laid out on it (only one type, unless you're wealthy), or an attractive pre-made tart, of the type that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is even more satisfying, while you truly will succeed by serving rustic pieces of Italian bread, since they don't need buttering.
