Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Effortless Hosting for Spontaneous Guests
Throughout the holiday period, when there is a lot happening which the most lively people may occasionally anticipate a calm respite of January, it is very easy to neglect details. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ever felt startled awake while at my desk by a message from someone asking, "What time do you want over later?" No worries; whether you're absent minded, and simply likely to make impromptu plans, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Great Get-Togethers
Firstly, though I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, whether you've organized long in advance or only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the most straightforward. All everyone expects are pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, plus sufficient food that they don't end up chewing their arm during the bus back. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects professional bartending, gourmet food or a live band.
The best gatherings are the simplest. That said, a theme is useful to disguise the fact you have only thrown the party together while coming back from the office.
Selecting a Theme to Direct Your Shopping
Still, an overarching idea can be useful for disguising that you have just thrown this thing on on the way after work. And by theme, think of something like the holidays. Getting slightly focused (Nordic holidays, for instance, with spiced drink, warm beverage, fish snacks plus rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers and margaritas, and plenty of corn chips, tomato dip & avocado dip, and festive music in the background) will focus your options on the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Strategic Shopping for The Gathering
At the shops, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) plus some snacks that match the style, and purchase as much of them within your budget, instead of worrying about offering guests a wide selection. Nothing looks as generous and celebratory as a bounty – I would always rather to be welcomed by a sink full of chilled bottles with competitively priced sparkling wine over a small serving with fancy bubbly. (Include a few bags for chilling, too; you'll find never enough ice.)
Drinks & Punch Streamlined
Should you demonstrate skills and provide a cocktail, then mix in advance a big quantity in a container so you're not left faffing around with preparation while you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a partner or friend to keep an eye on it then refill as necessary till it's gone. Apply the same for the soft drink; people appreciate to be given a task at a party so they may share in a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whatever formula you choose (they abound via search), avoid anything overly sugary – young ones there ought to have kid-friendly options – and should you own one, place flavor enhancers within reach (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are unsafe for people who avoid drinks altogether). Make an effort with presentation so the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a minute to add some slices of fruit into the bowl.
Food That Delight Without Fuss
For me, I recommend passing on the pre-made trays of "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores seasonally; they seem fancy, and frequently require turning the oven on (should you do this, be aware that all guests quietly likes garlic bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat a couple of sizable bowls of decent crisps (simple pleases everyone), plus, assuming no allergies, a package of great-value packets with nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to discover stones in your pot plants next Easter).
If, as my mother says, you think crisps proper food, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a board with crackers and some elegantly arranged grapes always looks visually appealing. A plate featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed there (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), or a nice store-bought pastry, similar to available in specialty sections seasonally, is even more substantial, while you really will succeed by serving artisanal slices of flatbread, since they require no spreading butter.
