Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Effortless Hosting for Spontaneous Guests
During the festive period, while there's a lot going on that the most vivacious people might occasionally anticipate a calm respite in the new year, it's very simple to forget things. I believe I'm not the only person who's ever been jolted back to reality while at my desk because of an inquiry from someone wondering, "What time do you want over tonight?" No worries; if you're distracted, and simply likely to make impromptu plans, I've got some solutions.
The Secret to Memorable Get-Togethers
Firstly, and I can't emphasize this sufficiently, if you have been planning for a year or just a short while, the greatest events are the easiest. What everyone really wants is a good chat, something to drink, and enough food so they don't feel like chewing an arm off on the ride back. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred food or musical performances.
The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. Still, an idea helps to mask the reality you have only thrown this thing on on the way back from the office.
Choosing a Theme to Direct The Preparations
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal that you've only thrown this thing on on the way home from work. And by theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring mulled wine, spiced punch, cured seafood plus rye crackers, folk tunes selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, cold beers or cocktails, and lots of snacks, tomato dip and green spread, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus the selection during the upcoming shopping trip.
Smart Shopping to Support The Gathering
In the store, select one or two beverages (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for some don't want to) and a few appetizers that match the theme, and get as much of them as you can afford, rather than stressing over giving people a wide selection. No thing appears more welcoming and celebratory as a bounty – I would consistently rather to arrive by a sink full of iced containers of competitively priced bubbly than a small serving of expensive bubbly. (Include several packs of cubes, as well; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Party Beverages Made Easy
If you must demonstrate skills and provide a mixed drink, make sure to pre-mix a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you're not left messing about with drinks when you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once underway, ask a partner or volunteer to monitor the drinks and refill if required until it runs out. Apply the same for the soft drink; guests enjoy to take on a job while socializing so they may enjoy the festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whatever mix you choose (they abound on the internet), steer clear of anything overly sugary – any kids there should have separate beverages – and should it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters within reach (avoid adding them into the punch since they're inappropriate for people abstaining from alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a short time to cut several pieces of fruit to the punch.
Snacks That Delight Without Effort
Personally, I would avoid the pre-made trays with "party foods" that appear in shops seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and usually require using the oven (if you choose to go this route, know that all guests quietly prefers toasted bread or small hot dogs regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top several large dishes of good-quality crisps (plain salted will offend no one), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those great-value bags of mixed nuts available with global foods at the market, with perhaps a few olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding pits in odd places next Easter).
If, similar to some, you feel snacks proper food, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board alongside crackers and some elegantly arranged fruit tends to seem artistic. A platter featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon arranged on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), alternatively a handsome store-bought pastry, of the type that pop up at delis seasonally, is even more satisfying, while you truly won't fail with artisanal slices of focaccia, because they require no buttering.
