Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Plan: Effortless Hosting for Unexpected Company
In this busy time, when there's so much going on that even lively individuals may occasionally long for the quiet respite of the new year, it is all too simple to forget things. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's once felt surprised awake while at work by a text from a friend wondering, "What time should we come over tonight?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, or just prone to last-minute plans, I've got your back.
The Secret to Successful Parties
Above all, though I cannot emphasize it enough, if you've planned long in advance versus only a quarter-hour, the best events are the easiest. What everyone expects are engaging talks, something to sip, plus enough food that they don't feel like chewing something on the ride back. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates extensive drinks, fancy catering and entertainers.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the easiest. However, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you have just put the party together while coming home from work.
Selecting a Concept to Focus Your Shopping
That said, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you've just put this thing on while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean such as a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, say, with mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood plus flatbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including holiday punch, chilled brews and cocktails, and heaps of corn chips, tomato dip & guacamole, and Luis Miguel in the background) will focus the selection on the upcoming grocery run.
Practical Buying to Support The Gathering
At the shops, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) and a few appetizers that match the style, then buy as many as you can afford, instead of fretting about providing endless options. Nothing appears more abundant and cheerful than abundance – I would consistently rather to be welcomed by a container full of iced containers with affordable bubbly than one glass of swanky champagne. (Chuck in a few bags of cubes, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy
If you must demonstrate skills and serve a mixed drink, then pre-mix a big quantity in a pitcher so that you aren't left busying yourself with it when it's time to having fun. After starting, request a partner or friend to keep an eye on it then replenish as necessary until it's gone. Follow suit with the non-alcoholic punch; guests appreciate to be given a task at a party so they can experience a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you go for (there are many via search), avoid anything too sweet – any kids present should have their own drinks – and should you own one, plonk a bottle of bitters within reach (avoid adding any in the mix as they are unsafe for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; it doesn't take a moment to slice several pieces of citrus to the punch.
Food That Work With Minimal Effort
For me, I'd skip the readymade platters of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets during the holidays; they seem overly complicated, and usually require heating things up (if you choose to go this route, know that everyone secretly prefers garlic bread or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe you can't beat two really big dishes with good-quality crisps (plain salted will offend no one), and, assuming no allergies, a package of big and excellent value containers of mixed nuts often sold in the South Asian section at the market, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover pits in your pot plants in the future).
In case, like my mum, you think crisps real food, one large piece of quality cheese served simply alongside crackers plus artfully draped grapes tends to seem visually appealing. A platter with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood displayed there (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), or an attractive pre-made tart, of the type that appear on deli counters at this time of year, proves more substantial, and you truly can't go wrong by serving rustic pieces of Italian bread, because they require no buttering.
