Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Company
During the holiday period, while there's a lot going on which even lively people might occasionally look forward to a quiet respite of the new year, it's very easy to overlook things. I expect I cannot be the only one who has once been startled awake while at my desk by a message by a friend wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, or just prone to last-minute invitations, I have some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Successful Get-Togethers
Above all, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you have been planning long in advance versus only a quarter-hour, the greatest parties are the easiest. What everyone really wants is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, plus enough nibbles that guests don't end up chewing something during the bus home. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred catering or musical performances.
The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. However, a theme helps to disguise the reality you have just put this thing on on the way after a long day.
Choosing a Concept to Direct Your Shopping
Nevertheless, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you have only thrown this thing together on the way after work. And by theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks and crispbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, chilled brews or tequila drinks, along with lots of snacks, spicy sauce & guacamole, with festive music on the stereo) will focus your choices on the inevitable shopping trip.
Strategic Buying to Support Your Party
While shopping, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) and a couple of snacks that match the theme, and get as many as possible, rather than stressing over providing a wide selection. Nothing appears more welcoming and as festive as plenty – I would consistently prefer to arrive with a tub filled with chilled bottles with competitively priced sparkling wine than one glass of expensive bubbly. (Add a few bags of cubes, as well; you'll find never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Punch Simplified
If you must show off and serve a cocktail, make sure to pre-mix a sizable amount in a container so that you're not stuck faffing around with drinks when you ought to be socializing. After starting, request a significant other or volunteer to watch the drinks then replenish as necessary till it's finished. Do the same for the soft drink; people love to take on a task at a party so they may enjoy the positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whatever recipe you pick (you can find plenty online), steer clear of any recipe excessively sweet – any kids there need kid-friendly options – and should you have one, put aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any in the mix as they are not suitable for those who avoid drinks altogether). Take care with presentation so that the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; just spend a short time to slice several pieces of fruit for garnish.
Snacks That Shine Without Preparation
For me, I would avoid the readymade trays of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets seasonally; they seem fussy, and usually involve turning the oven on (should you do this, be aware that everyone truly likes herb bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats a couple of large bowls with good-quality crisps (simple pleases everyone), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets with nuts available in the international aisle in stores, along with a few olives without stones for color (try not to discover pits around the house next Easter).
In case, similar to some, you don't consider snacks substantial fare, a single big slab of good cheese on a platter alongside crackers and some beautifully placed fruit always looks visually appealing. A platter with some cured or cooked meats or fish displayed on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), alternatively a nice store-bought pastry, of the type that appear on deli counters seasonally, proves more filling, and you truly won't fail by serving homestyle chunks of flatbread, because they require no buttering.
