Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Effortless Entertaining for Unexpected Guests
Throughout this busy season, while there is plenty going on which even lively people may sometimes anticipate a quiet break in January, it's all too simple to neglect details. I expect I'm not the only one who's ever felt startled back to reality while at my desk because of an inquiry by a friend asking, "What time are we expected over later?" Don't worry; if you're distracted, or just likely to make last-minute invitations, I've got some solutions.
The Key to Successful Gatherings
Above all, though I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, whether you've been planning for months or just a quarter-hour, the greatest parties are the easiest. What everyone really wants is a good chat, something to enjoy, and sufficient nibbles that they do not feel like chewing something on the ride home. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects extensive drinks, gourmet food or musical performances.
The greatest parties are the simplest. Still, a theme helps to disguise the fact you have only thrown this thing together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Direct The Party Planning
That said, an overarching idea can be useful for disguising that you've only put this thing together while returning after work. And by theme, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with glögg, spiced punch, fish snacks plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or Latin American celebration, including traditional drink, cold beers or margaritas, and lots of snacks, salsa & guacamole, and Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your options on the upcoming shopping trip.
Smart Buying for Your Party
At the shops, select a drink or two (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for some prefer not to) and a few nibbles suited to the style, and purchase as many as you can afford, instead of worrying about giving people too much choice. Nothing looks more abundant and as festive as plenty – I would consistently prefer to enter with a sink filled with cold bottles with competitively priced bubbly over a single glass with expensive bubbly. (Include a few bags of ice, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Party Beverages Simplified
If you must demonstrate skills and provide a special beverage, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a jug so that you aren't left messing about with it while you should be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or volunteer to keep an eye on it then refill as necessary till it's gone. Apply the same for the soft drink; people appreciate to take on a role at a party so they can enjoy some of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever formula you pick (there are many via search), skip any recipe excessively sweet – young ones there need their own drinks – and if you have one, place a bottle of bitters within reach (don't add them into the punch since they are not suitable for people who avoid drinks altogether). Put in some work with presentation so the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a short time to cut a few rounds of citrus for garnish.
Snacks That Work Without Fuss
In my view, I recommend passing on the pre-made assortments of "party foods" available in shops seasonally; they seem fussy, and usually involve turning the oven on (should you do this, remember that all guests truly prefers garlic bread or small hot dogs regardless). I truly believe you can't beat several large bowls of decent chips (salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of great-value bags with nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, along with some pitted olives for color (it's best to avoid to still be finding pits in your pot plants months later).
In case, like my mum, you think snacks substantial fare, one large piece of tasty cheese on a board alongside crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks visually appealing. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish arranged there (only one type, except if money is no object), or a nice pre-made pastry, similar to that pop up on deli counters during festivities, is even more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong by serving artisanal slices of Italian bread, because they require no spreading butter.
