Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
During the busy time, when there is a lot happening which the most energetic people might occasionally long for a calm break of the new year, it is very easy to forget things. I expect I cannot be the only person who's once been startled awake at my desk because of a text from a friend wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" No worries; whether you are distracted, or just likely to make spontaneous invitations, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Great Get-Togethers
Firstly, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you've organized for a year or only 15 minutes, the greatest events tend to be the simplest. All everyone really wants are a good chat, a drink to drink, plus sufficient food so they do not feel like gnawing something during the ride home. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates professional bartending, fancy food or a live band.
The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. However, a theme helps to disguise the reality you have just put the party on on the way home from work.
Choosing a Concept to Focus Your Shopping
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful for disguising that you have just thrown this thing on while returning after work. By concept, I mean such as Christmas. Going a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, warm beverage, fish snacks plus rye crackers, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, chilled brews or margaritas, along with plenty of corn chips, spicy sauce & guacamole, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) helps direct your options during the inevitable grocery run.
Strategic Buying for Your Party
In the store, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case others avoid alcohol) plus a few nibbles that fit the theme, then get a generous amount within your budget, instead of worrying about giving people too much choice. No thing appears more welcoming and cheerful as a bounty – I would always prefer to be welcomed with a tub filled with iced containers of reasonably priced sparkling wine over a small serving with swanky bubbly. (Include a few bags of ice, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Punch Made Easy
Should you impress and provide a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a large batch in a container so you're not left faffing around with drinks while you should be socializing. After starting, enlist a partner or volunteer to watch the drinks and top up when needed till it runs out. Do the same for the soft drink; people love to be given a task at a party so they can experience some of goodwill.
For large-batch drinks, whatever mix you choose (you can find plenty via search), steer clear of anything too sweet – children present need their own drinks – and should you have one, plonk flavor enhancers close by (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are unsafe for individuals who do not consume alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the soft punch doesn't seem unimportant; it doesn't take a minute to cut some slices of citrus into the bowl.
Food That Shine With Minimal Effort
In my view, I recommend passing on the pre-made platters of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem fancy, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you choose to opt for these, remember that everyone quietly favors garlic bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats several sizable dishes with good-quality snacks (simple pleases everyone), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets of nuts typically found in the South Asian section in stores, with perhaps some olives without stones as a garnish (try not to still be finding stones in odd places in the future).
In case, similar to some, you don't consider chips substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus beautifully placed fruit often appears painterly. A platter with some cured or cooked salami or salmon laid out there (a single variety, except if you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome store-bought pastry, of the type that pop up in specialty sections during festivities, is even more filling, and you really can't go wrong with artisanal slices of flatbread, since there's no need for spreading butter.