Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Stress-Free Entertaining for Unexpected Company
In the holiday period, while there is plenty happening which the most vivacious individuals might occasionally look forward to a quiet break of January, it's all too easy to forget details. I believe I cannot be the only person who has ever been jolted back to reality while at work by a message by someone asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" Fear not; if you are absent minded, or just inclined toward spontaneous gatherings, I've got your back.
The Key to Great Get-Togethers
Above all, and I cannot emphasize this enough, if you have organized long in advance or just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties are the easiest. What anyone expects is engaging talks, a drink to drink, plus enough nibbles so they don't end up gnawing an arm off during the ride home. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates professional bartending, fancy food and musical performances.
The best parties tend to be the simplest. However, a theme is useful to cover up the fact you've just thrown the party on while coming after a long day.
Choosing a Concept to Direct Your Preparations
That said, an overarching idea works well for disguising that you have just thrown this thing on on the way home from work. By concept, think of for example Christmas. Going slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish plus rye crackers, Scandinavian music selection; or fiesta-style party, with traditional drink, cold beers and tequila drinks, and heaps of tortilla chips, salsa & avocado dip, with festive music playing) will focus the selection during the inevitable shopping trip.
Smart Purchasing to Support The Party
At the shops, pick one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, one not for others don't want to) and some appetizers that fit the theme, then purchase a generous amount as you can afford, rather than fretting about offering guests a wide selection. Nothing looks as generous and as festive as abundance – I'd consistently prefer to enter by a sink stocked with iced containers with affordable bubbly over one glass of expensive champagne. (Include a few bags of ice, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy
Should you impress and serve a special beverage, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't stuck faffing around with preparation when you should be enjoying yourself. After starting, enlist a partner or helper to watch it then top up when needed till it runs out. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; people enjoy to take on a role while socializing so they can enjoy the festive spirit.
On the punch front, whatever mix you choose (you can find plenty on the internet), steer clear of anything excessively sweet – any kids present need separate beverages – and should you own one, plonk flavor enhancers nearby (refrain from putting them to the bowl since they are unsafe for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a short time to cut a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Shine With Minimal Preparation
For me, I would avoid the readymade platters with "party foods" that appear at grocery stores during the holidays; they seem fussy, and frequently require turning the oven on (if you choose to do this, remember that everyone quietly prefers garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). I truly believe nothing beats two sizable bowls with tasty snacks (salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no issues, one of those large and economical packets with nuts typically found in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps some olives without stones for color (try not to discover stones in your pot plants in the future).
If, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks substantial fare, one large piece of good cheese served simply with crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears painterly. A plate with some cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed there (only one type, except if you're wealthy), or a nice pre-made pie, of the type that appear at delis at this time of year, proves more satisfying, and you really won't fail with homestyle slices of focaccia, since they don't need spreading butter.
