Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Strategy: Stress-Free Entertaining for Last-Minute Company
In the busy period, when there's a lot going on which even lively people may occasionally long for a calm respite of January, it is very easy to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has ever felt surprised awake while at my desk by an inquiry from someone asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, and simply prone to last-minute invitations, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Successful Parties
Above all, though I can't emphasize this enough, whether you've organized for a year or only a short while, the best events are the simplest. What everyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus enough food so guests don't feel like chewing something on the bus back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred food and a live band.
The best parties are the easiest. Still, an idea is useful to mask the reality you've only thrown this thing on on the way home from work.
Choosing a Theme to Direct The Party Planning
Nevertheless, a theme is helpful to conceal the fact you've only put this thing together while returning from the office. And by theme, think of something like the holidays. Going a bit more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or fiesta-style party, including ponche navideño, cold beers or tequila drinks, and heaps of corn chips, tomato dip and guacamole, and upbeat tunes in the background) can narrow the selection during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Purchasing to Support Your Event
While shopping, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case some don't want to) and a few appetizers that match your concept, and purchase as many as you can afford, rather than stressing over providing too much choice. No thing looks more welcoming and as festive than a bounty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed by a sink stocked with cold bottles with competitively priced bubbly over a single glass with swanky champagne. (Chuck in several packs for chilling, as well; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Beverages & Punch Simplified
If you feel the need to impress and serve a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you're not left faffing around with preparation while you should be having fun. Once the party begins, request a close friend or volunteer to keep an eye on it and replenish when needed until it runs out. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to take on a task at a party so they may share in the goodwill.
On the punch front, whichever recipe you choose (there are many online), steer clear of anything too sweet – children there should have kid-friendly options – and should it's available, place aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any to the bowl since they're unsafe for individuals who avoid alcohol altogether). Put in some work with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel neglected; it only takes a moment to cut some slices of fruit to the punch.
Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Preparation
In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade platters of "party foods" available in shops at this time of year; they seem fancy, and usually require turning the oven on (if you must go this route, be aware that all guests truly likes toasted bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of really big dishes of good-quality crisps (simple will offend no one), plus, provided there are no allergies, some of those big and excellent value packets with nuts often sold in the international aisle of supermarkets, along with some pitted olives for color (it's best to avoid to discover stones in your pot plants in the future).
In case, as my mother says, you feel crisps proper food, one large piece of good cheese served simply and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit tends to seem artistic. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish displayed there (only one type, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a nice store-bought tart, of the type that pop up on deli counters seasonally, is more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong with rustic chunks of focaccia, because there's no need for spreading butter.