Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors
During this holiday period, while there's so much going on which the most energetic individuals may sometimes look forward to the calm respite in January, it is all too easy to neglect things. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who's once felt surprised awake at work by a text by someone asking, "What time do you want us later?" Fear not; if you are absent minded, and just likely to make spontaneous invitations, I have you covered.
The Golden Rule to Successful Parties
First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you've been planning for a year or only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the simplest. All everyone expects is engaging talks, a drink to drink, and enough nibbles so they don't end up chewing something during the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects extensive drinks, gourmet catering or a live band.
The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. That said, a concept is useful to mask the reality you've just put this thing together on the way home from work.
Selecting a Style to Guide Your Shopping
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful to conceal that you've only thrown this thing together on the way home from work. And with a theme, think of for example Christmas. Getting slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood plus crispbreads, folk tunes selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, with holiday punch, chilled brews and cocktails, and plenty of corn chips, tomato dip & guacamole, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus your choices on the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Smart Purchasing to Support The Event
At the shops, choose a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for others prefer not to) plus a few snacks that match the style, and purchase a generous amount as possible, rather than stressing over giving people endless options. Nothing looks more welcoming and cheerful than abundance – I'd always rather to enter with a tub stocked with chilled bottles of competitively priced crémant or cava over a small serving of fancy champagne. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, as well; you'll find never sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy
Should you show off and offer a special beverage, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a pitcher so you aren't stuck messing about with drinks while it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, request a close friend or helper to monitor the drinks then top up when needed until it's finished. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; guests love to have a role while socializing so they may share in a share of goodwill.
For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you choose (you can find plenty via search), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – any kids there ought to have their own drinks – and if it's available, put a bottle of bitters close by (refrain from putting any in the mix as they are not suitable for individuals who avoid drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel unimportant; it doesn't take a short time to add several pieces of citrus for garnish.
Food That Delight With Minimal Effort
Personally, I would avoid the readymade trays of "party foods" available in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and usually involve heating things up (if you choose to do this, remember that all guests secretly likes herb bread and/or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced it's hard to top several large containers with decent chips (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no allergies, some of those great-value containers of mixed nuts available in the international aisle at the market, and maybe a few olives without stones for color (it's best to avoid to find pits in your pot plants next Easter).
If, like my mum, you feel snacks proper food, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon arranged there (a single variety, unless you're wealthy), or a handsome ready-made tart, of the type that appear in specialty sections at this time of year, is even more satisfying, and you truly will succeed with rustic slices of flatbread, since they don't need additional preparation.
