Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Company
In the festive time, while there is a lot going on which even vivacious people might occasionally look forward to the quiet respite in January, it is all too easy to overlook details. I believe I cannot be the sole one who has ever felt surprised back to reality at my desk by a message from someone wondering, "What time are we expected us later?" Don't worry; if you are distracted, or simply likely to make impromptu plans, I have you covered.
The Key to Memorable Parties
First and foremost, and I can't stress it enough, if you've organized long in advance versus only a short while, the best events are the most straightforward. What everyone really wants is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus sufficient to eat so guests do not feel like gnawing an arm off on the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates a full bar, gourmet food and entertainers.
The most successful parties are the easiest. That said, an idea helps to disguise the reality you've only put this thing on while coming back from the office.
Selecting a Theme to Guide The Party Planning
Still, an overarching idea is helpful for disguising the fact you've just thrown this thing on on the way after work. And with a theme, think of something like Christmas. Going a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, say, with spiced drink, spiced punch, fish snacks and flatbreads, folk tunes selection; or fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, cold beers or margaritas, and lots of corn chips, spicy sauce and green spread, and Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow your options on the upcoming shopping trip.
Practical Purchasing for Your Event
In the store, choose a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for others avoid alcohol) plus some nibbles suited to the style, and purchase a generous amount within your budget, rather than fretting about giving people endless options. Nothing looks more welcoming and celebratory as plenty – I would always prefer to be welcomed by a container stocked with iced containers of affordable crémant or cava over a small serving with fancy champagne. (Add some bags of cubes, as well; you'll find never plenty of ice.)
Beverages and Punch Made Easy
If you feel the need to impress and offer a cocktail, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you aren't left messing about with drinks when you ought to be enjoying yourself. After starting, ask a significant other or helper to keep an eye on it and top up when needed till it's finished. Follow suit for the soft drink; guests enjoy to be given a role during gatherings so they may enjoy the festive spirit.
On the punch front, whichever formula you choose (they abound on the internet), skip any recipe too sweet – young ones present need kid-friendly options – and should you own one, plonk aromatic bitters nearby (avoid adding any to the bowl as they're not suitable for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Put in some work with how it looks so that the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a minute to cut a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Work With Minimal Fuss
Personally, I would avoid the pre-made trays of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as overly complicated, and often involve turning the oven on (should you opt for these, know that all guests quietly likes garlic bread or mini sausages anyway). I truly believe you can't beat two really big bowls of tasty chips (plain salted is universally liked), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of large and economical containers of mixed nuts typically found with global foods of supermarkets, with perhaps some olives without stones for color (try not to discover stones in odd places months later).
If, like my mum, you think snacks proper food, a single big slab of good cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged fruit often appears artistic. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed on it (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome ready-made pie, similar to available on deli counters at this time of year, proves more satisfying, and you truly will succeed with artisanal chunks of focaccia, because they don't need spreading butter.
