Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
During the busy season, while there's so much happening that even energetic individuals might sometimes long for a calm break in the new year, it is all too simple to forget details. I expect I cannot be the only one who's once been jolted back to reality at work by a text from someone wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" Fear not; if you are absent minded, and simply prone to impromptu plans, I've got your back.
The Secret to Successful Gatherings
Firstly, and I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, whether you've planned for a year versus just a short while, the best events tend to be the easiest. What anyone expects are a good chat, a drink to enjoy, plus enough food that they don't feel like gnawing their arm on the bus home. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred catering and a live band.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the easiest. Still, a concept helps to cover up the reality you have only put the event on on the way home from work.
Selecting a Concept to Direct The Party Planning
That said, a theme can be useful to hide the fact you have only thrown this thing on while returning from the office. And with a theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Going a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, including traditional drink, cold beers and margaritas, along with heaps of snacks, salsa & guacamole, and Luis Miguel in the background) helps direct your choices during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Buying to Support Your Event
At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, one not for some don't want to) plus a few nibbles that match the style, and buy as many as possible, rather than fretting about offering guests a wide selection. Nothing appears more welcoming and cheerful than abundance – I would consistently prefer to enter by a tub filled with cold bottles with affordable crémant or cava over one glass of expensive champagne. (Include a few bags of cubes, too; there is seldom enough ice.)
Cocktails & Party Beverages Streamlined
If you must show off and provide a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't stuck messing about with preparation while it's time to socializing. Once underway, ask a partner or helper to monitor it and refill as necessary until it runs out. Do the same with the alcohol-free option; guests love to be given a job while socializing so they can share in some of goodwill.
Regarding punch, whatever mix you choose (they abound on the internet), steer clear of anything overly sugary – children present need separate beverages – and should it's available, put aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any in the mix since they're not suitable for individuals who avoid alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the soft punch doesn't feel like an afterthought; just spend a moment to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Food That Shine With Minimal Preparation
Personally, I would avoid the store-bought trays of "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they seem fussy, and often require using the oven (if you must opt for these, remember that everyone truly prefers garlic bread or cocktail sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats a couple of really big bowls of decent chips (salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no allergies, some of those large and economical packets with nuts often sold with global foods in stores, with perhaps a few olives without stones for color (you don't want to still be finding stones in your pot plants in the future).
If, as my mother says, you feel chips real food, a single large piece of good cheese on a platter with crackers plus beautifully placed grapes always looks painterly. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared meats or fish displayed on it (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), alternatively an attractive pre-made pastry, similar to that appear at delis seasonally, proves more satisfying, while you truly won't fail with rustic pieces of focaccia, since they don't need spreading butter.