Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Stress-Free Hosting for Spontaneous Visitors
Throughout the busy season, when there is so much happening which even energetic people might occasionally look forward to the calm respite in the new year, it is all too simple to forget details. I believe I'm not the sole one who has once been jolted awake at my desk by a message by someone asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" No worries; if you're absent minded, or just likely to make last-minute plans, I've got you covered.
The Secret to Successful Get-Togethers
First and foremost, though I can't stress it enough, if you have planned for months versus just a short while, the best parties are the most straightforward. What everyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus enough food that they do not end up gnawing something during the bus home. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred food and musical performances.
The most successful gatherings are the most basic. However, a theme helps to disguise the reality you have only put the event on on the way back from the office.
Picking a Style to Focus Your Shopping
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful for disguising the fact you have just put the party together on the way after work. And with a theme, think of for example the holidays. Getting slightly more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring spiced drink, warm beverage, smoked fish and crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including holiday punch, chilled brews and cocktails, and heaps of tortilla chips, salsa & guacamole, and Luis Miguel in the background) can narrow the selection during the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Buying to Support Your Party
In the store, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for others avoid alcohol) and a few snacks that match the style, and purchase as much of them within your budget, instead of worrying about providing too much choice. No thing appears more abundant and as festive than a bounty – I'd consistently prefer to arrive with a container filled with chilled bottles with affordable sparkling wine over a small serving with fancy bubbly. (Add a few bags of cubes, as well; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Made Easy
If you must show off and serve a mixed drink, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you're not left messing about with preparation when you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, request a significant other or volunteer to keep an eye on it and replenish when needed until it's gone. Do the same for the soft drink; people enjoy to take on a role at a party so they can experience the festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you choose (there are many on the internet), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – any kids there should have kid-friendly options – and should you own one, place flavor enhancers nearby (don't add any in the mix as they are not suitable for those who avoid alcohol entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a minute to slice some slices of lemon or orange for garnish.
Snacks That Delight Without Effort
For me, I recommend passing on the readymade trays of "party foods" available in shops seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and often require heating things up (if you must opt for these, remember that all guests truly prefers garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top several sizable bowls with good-quality crisps (simple pleases everyone), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of large and economical bags with nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, along with some olives without stones for color (try not to still be finding pits around the house next Easter).
If, like my mum, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, one large piece of good cheese on a platter with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A plate with some salted or prepared meats or fish laid out there (just one sort, unless you're wealthy), or an attractive ready-made pastry, similar to that appear on deli counters at this time of year, is even more satisfying, and you truly can't go wrong with rustic chunks of focaccia, because they require no spreading butter.