Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Company
Throughout this busy period, while there's plenty happening which even vivacious individuals might occasionally anticipate the quiet respite in January, it's all too easy to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the sole person who's ever been startled back to reality at my desk by a message from a friend asking, "What time should we come over later?" No worries; if you are distracted, or just likely to make spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Great Gatherings
First and foremost, though I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, if you have planned long in advance versus only a short while, the best parties tend to be the easiest. What everyone expects are pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, plus enough food that guests do not feel like gnawing an arm off on the ride back. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, no one expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred food and entertainers.
The most successful parties tend to be the most basic. Still, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you've only put this thing together on the way after a long day.
Choosing a Theme to Direct The Shopping
That said, a theme can be useful for disguising the fact you've only thrown this thing together on the way after work. And by theme, think of something like the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; or Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, chilled brews and margaritas, along with lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and guacamole, with festive music playing) helps direct your options on the necessary grocery run.
Practical Purchasing for Your Event
In the store, pick a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) plus a few snacks that fit the style, then purchase as many as you can afford, rather than stressing over giving people a wide selection. No thing appears more welcoming and as festive as a bounty – I'd always rather to arrive with a tub full of iced containers with affordable bubbly over a small serving with fancy champagne. (Chuck in several packs for chilling, as well; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)
Beverages and Party Beverages Made Easy
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and offer a cocktail, make sure to pre-mix a sizable amount in a jug so you're not stuck messing about with drinks when it's time to socializing. Once the party begins, enlist a close friend or helper to monitor it then replenish if required until it's gone. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to take on a role at a party so they can share in the goodwill.
On the punch front, whatever recipe you choose (they abound online), skip any recipe excessively sweet – any kids present need their own drinks – and should you have one, put flavor enhancers within reach (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are not suitable for people who avoid alcohol entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to add a few rounds of citrus for garnish.
Food That Shine With Minimal Fuss
For me, I would avoid the store-bought platters with "party foods" that appear in supermarkets during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and often require heating things up (if you must opt for these, know that everyone truly favors toasted bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top two sizable bowls with decent crisps (salted is universally liked), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those great-value containers of nuts available with global foods at the market, along with a few olives without stones for colour (you don't want to find pits in odd places in the future).
If, similar to some, you feel chips substantial fare, one big slab of quality cheese on a board and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes always looks painterly. A plate featuring salted or prepared meats or fish laid out on it (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), or a handsome pre-made pie, like those available on deli counters seasonally, is more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong with rustic chunks of focaccia, because they require no spreading butter.
