Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Effortless Hosting for Spontaneous Guests
Throughout the festive time, while there is plenty happening which even vivacious people may occasionally anticipate the quiet respite in January, it is very easy to forget things. I expect I'm not the sole person who has once felt startled awake at work by a text by a friend asking, "What time should we come over later?" No worries; whether you're forgetful, or just inclined toward impromptu invitations, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Successful Get-Togethers
First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you've organized for a year or only a short while, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. All anyone really wants are pleasant conversation, something to drink, plus enough nibbles so they do not end up gnawing an arm off on the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects a full bar, gourmet catering and a live band.
The best parties tend to be the easiest. Still, a concept is useful to mask the reality you have just thrown this thing together while coming home from work.
Picking a Theme to Direct Your Preparations
Nevertheless, an overarching idea can be useful to hide the fact you've just put the party on on the way after work. And by theme, think of something like Christmas. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks and rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, chilled brews or tequila drinks, along with heaps of snacks, spicy sauce & guacamole, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus the selection on the necessary shopping trip.
Smart Purchasing for Your Party
While shopping, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, one not in case some don't want to) and a few snacks that fit the theme, and buy as much of them as possible, rather than fretting about providing a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and as festive than a bounty – I'd always rather to be welcomed by a container filled with chilled bottles with reasonably priced bubbly over a single glass with swanky champagne. (Add several packs for chilling, too; you'll find never enough ice.)
Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
Should you demonstrate skills and serve a cocktail, then prepare ahead a large batch in a pitcher so that you're not stuck messing about with drinks while you ought to be having fun. Once underway, ask a significant other or volunteer to watch it then top up if required until it's finished. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; people enjoy to be given a task at a party so they may experience the goodwill.
On the punch front, whichever recipe you go for (they abound on the internet), skip anything too sweet – young ones present need their own drinks – and should you have one, place aromatic bitters nearby (don't add any in the mix as they're unsafe for those who avoid alcohol entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so that the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; just spend a moment to cut several pieces of citrus into the bowl.
Food That Work Without Fuss
In my view, I'd skip the store-bought assortments of "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and often involve turning the oven on (if you choose to do this, remember that all guests truly prefers herb bread or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of sizable bowls with decent crisps (salted is universally liked), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical containers with nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, along with a few olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to discover pits in your pot plants in the future).
In case, as my mother says, you think snacks proper food, a single large piece of quality cheese on a platter with crackers plus elegantly arranged grapes often appears painterly. A plate featuring salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (a single variety, except if you're wealthy), or an attractive ready-made tart, of the type available at delis during festivities, proves more satisfying, and you really won't fail by serving artisanal chunks of focaccia, because there's no need for spreading butter.
