Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Company
In the holiday time, when there's plenty happening which the most energetic people may occasionally long for the quiet respite of January, it is all too simple to overlook things. I expect I'm not the sole one who has ever been surprised back to reality while at work by an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time are we expected us later?" Don't worry; whether you are absent minded, and just prone to impromptu gatherings, I've got some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Great Get-Togethers
First and foremost, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, if you've planned long in advance or just 15 minutes, the greatest events are the simplest. What anyone expects are engaging talks, a drink to sip, and enough to eat so guests do not feel like gnawing an arm off during the bus back. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, nobody expects a full bar, Michelin-starred food and musical performances.
The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. That said, a theme helps to disguise the reality you've just put this thing on on the way back from the office.
Choosing a Theme to Direct The Shopping
That said, a theme works well for disguising the fact you've only thrown the party together while returning from the office. And with a theme, I mean for example Christmas. Going slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring spiced drink, warm beverage, fish snacks and flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, refreshing lagers and margaritas, and heaps of corn chips, tomato dip & guacamole, with upbeat tunes in the background) can narrow the selection on the necessary grocery run.
Practical Purchasing for The Gathering
At the shops, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option for drinkers, one not in case some prefer not to) plus a couple of nibbles that match the theme, and purchase as many within your budget, rather than worrying about providing endless options. Nothing looks more abundant and cheerful than abundance – I would always rather to enter by a tub stocked with iced containers of affordable bubbly over a small serving with fancy bubbly. (Include some bags of ice, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)
Cocktails and Punch Simplified
If you must demonstrate skills and serve a special beverage, then pre-mix a large batch in a pitcher so you aren't stuck faffing around with drinks while you should be socializing. After starting, request a significant other or volunteer to watch it then top up if required till it's gone. Do the same for the soft drink; people love to have a job at a party so they may share in a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whatever mix you pick (you can find plenty online), avoid any recipe too sweet – any kids present need separate beverages – and should you own one, put a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding them in the mix since they are unsafe for people abstaining from alcohol entirely). Take care with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem unimportant; it only takes a minute to slice some slices of fruit to the punch.
Food That Delight Without Effort
For me, I would avoid the pre-made assortments with "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and often require using the oven (if you choose to do this, remember that everyone secretly favors garlic bread and/or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe you can't beat two sizable containers with good-quality crisps (salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value containers with nuts available with global foods at the market, along with some olives without stones for colour (try not to discover pits in your pot plants next Easter).
If, similar to some, you feel chips proper food, a single large piece of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes often appears painterly. A plate featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon laid out there (only one type, except if you have a large budget), or a handsome store-bought pie, like those available at delis seasonally, is more satisfying, and you truly can't go wrong by serving artisanal pieces of focaccia, since they require no spreading butter.