Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Stress-Free Entertaining for Spontaneous Company
In this busy period, while there's plenty going on which even vivacious people may sometimes anticipate a quiet break in January, it's very simple to forget things. I'm sure I'm not the sole one who's once been jolted awake at work by an inquiry from a friend wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" Fear not; if you're absent minded, or just inclined toward impromptu gatherings, I've got your back.
The Key to Successful Get-Togethers
Above all, and I can't stress it sufficiently, whether you've organized for a year or just 15 minutes, the greatest parties tend to be the easiest. What anyone expects are a good chat, a drink to drink, plus sufficient nibbles so they do not end up chewing an arm off on the ride back. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering or musical performances.
The greatest gatherings are the simplest. That said, a theme is useful to disguise the fact you have only thrown the event together while coming home from work.
Selecting a Style to Focus The Shopping
Still, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you've just put this thing on on the way home from work. And by theme, think of something like Christmas. Getting a bit more specific (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish plus rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; or fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, refreshing lagers or cocktails, and heaps of tortilla chips, salsa & avocado dip, with upbeat tunes playing) can narrow your options during the upcoming shopping trip.
Practical Purchasing for Your Event
While shopping, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case others don't want to) and a few nibbles that match your concept, and buy as many within your budget, rather than stressing over giving people endless options. Nothing looks more welcoming and as festive as plenty – I would always prefer to be welcomed with a container filled with iced containers of competitively priced bubbly than one glass of swanky champagne. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, too; there is never enough ice.)
Drinks & Punch Made Easy
Should you show off and offer a special beverage, then mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so that you aren't left messing about with it when it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a close friend or friend to watch the drinks and refill when needed until it's finished. Do the same for the soft drink; people appreciate to be given a role during gatherings so they may enjoy a share of goodwill.
On the punch front, whatever mix you pick (they abound via search), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – children present ought to have separate beverages – and if it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add any in the mix since they are inappropriate for those who avoid alcohol entirely). Take care in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; just spend a short time to cut several pieces of fruit to the punch.
Snacks That Delight Without Fuss
For me, I recommend passing on the pre-made platters of "party foods" available at grocery stores seasonally; they seem fancy, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you must go this route, know that everyone secretly prefers toasted bread and/or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several really big bowls of decent chips (salted is universally liked), and, assuming no allergies, a package of large and economical packets of mixed nuts available in the international aisle in stores, and maybe a few pitted olives for colour (try not to still be finding pits in odd places months later).
If, similar to some, you don't consider crisps proper food, a single large piece of tasty cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some beautifully placed grapes tends to seem visually appealing. A serving dish with some preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish displayed there (just one sort, unless money is no object), or an attractive ready-made pastry, of the type that appear in specialty sections seasonally, is even more substantial, and you truly can't go wrong with artisanal slices of focaccia, because they require no spreading butter.
