Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Guests
Throughout the holiday time, when there is so much happening which the most lively people may occasionally anticipate a quiet respite of January, it is all too easy to overlook details. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who's once felt surprised back to reality at work by a text by a friend wondering, "What time do you want over tonight?" No worries; whether you're absent minded, or just prone to impromptu gatherings, I have your back.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Gatherings
First and foremost, though I cannot emphasize this enough, if you've planned for a year versus only a quarter-hour, the greatest events tend to be the most straightforward. What everyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, and enough nibbles that guests don't feel like chewing their arm during the bus back. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred food and a live band.
The most successful gatherings are the most basic. That said, an idea is useful to mask the reality you have only thrown the event on while coming home from work.
Selecting a Concept to Focus Your Preparations
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful to hide the fact you've only put this thing together while returning home from work. And by theme, I mean something like Christmas. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood and rye crackers, folk tunes selection; or Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers or margaritas, and lots of tortilla chips, tomato dip & guacamole, and Luis Miguel on the stereo) helps direct your options during the necessary grocery run.
Smart Purchasing for Your Party
At the shops, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case some don't want to) and a couple of nibbles suited to the theme, then get as many within your budget, instead of fretting about offering guests a wide selection. No thing looks more welcoming and celebratory than plenty – I would consistently rather to be welcomed by a container full of chilled bottles of affordable crémant or cava than a single glass with swanky bubbly. (Add several packs for chilling, too; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Drinks & Party Beverages Made Easy
Should you impress and serve a mixed drink, make sure to pre-mix a sizable amount in a jug so that you're not left messing about with preparation when it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or helper to watch it then refill when needed until it runs out. Apply the same for the soft drink; people love to be given a task while socializing allowing them to enjoy a share of goodwill.
For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you choose (they abound on the internet), steer clear of anything excessively sweet – young ones there should have kid-friendly options – and if you have one, plonk flavor enhancers within reach (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are not suitable for people who do not consume drinks entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a minute to add some slices of citrus for garnish.
Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Effort
Personally, I recommend passing on the store-bought trays with "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they feel fussy, and frequently involve heating things up (should you opt for these, be aware that all guests truly likes herb bread or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of large dishes of tasty chips (simple is universally liked), plus, provided there are no issues, one of those large and economical packets of mixed nuts often sold in the international aisle at the market, and maybe some pitted olives for color (you don't want to still be finding stones in odd places next Easter).
In case, like my mum, you think crisps proper food, one big slab of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit tends to seem artistic. A plate with some cured or cooked meats or fish arranged on it (only one type, except if money is no object), or a handsome ready-made pie, of the type that pop up in specialty sections during festivities, is even more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong by serving homestyle chunks of focaccia, because they require no buttering.
