Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Effortless Entertaining for Unexpected Company
During the festive period, when there is a lot happening which the most lively people might sometimes long for the calm break in January, it is all too simple to overlook details. I'm sure I'm not the sole person who has ever been startled awake at my desk by a message by someone wondering, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; whether you are absent minded, or just likely to make last-minute invitations, I've got you covered.
The Key to Memorable Parties
Above all, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you've planned long in advance versus only a quarter-hour, the best parties tend to be the simplest. All everyone expects are engaging talks, a drink to drink, and sufficient nibbles that they don't end up chewing something during the bus home. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects extensive drinks, gourmet catering and musical performances.
The greatest parties tend to be the easiest. That said, a concept is useful to disguise the reality you have only put the event on on the way after a long day.
Selecting a Concept to Guide Your Party Planning
That said, an overarching idea works well to hide the fact you have only thrown the party on on the way from the office. And with a theme, I mean for example Christmas. Getting slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and rye crackers, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, with traditional drink, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, and plenty of tortilla chips, salsa & guacamole, with upbeat tunes in the background) can narrow your choices during the upcoming grocery run.
Practical Purchasing to Support The Party
In the store, pick a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for some avoid alcohol) plus a couple of snacks that match the theme, then get as many as you can afford, rather than fretting about providing endless options. Nothing looks more abundant and celebratory than abundance – I'd consistently prefer to be welcomed by a tub stocked with iced containers with reasonably priced bubbly than a single glass with fancy bubbly. (Include several packs of ice, too; you'll find never plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Punch Made Easy
Should you impress and serve a special beverage, then pre-mix a big quantity in a jug so you aren't left faffing around with it while you should be having fun. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or friend to watch the drinks and top up when needed until it's gone. Do the same with the soft drink; people enjoy to have a task at a party so they can experience some of goodwill.
Regarding punch, whichever mix you pick (they abound on the internet), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and if you have one, put aromatic bitters close by (don't add them into the punch as they are not suitable for those abstaining from alcohol altogether). Take care in presenting it so the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a minute to add several pieces of citrus into the bowl.
Nibbles That Work Without Preparation
For me, I'd skip the store-bought platters of "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they feel fancy, and often require using the oven (should you go this route, remember that all guests secretly prefers toasted bread or mini sausages anyway). I truly believe it's hard to top two sizable containers with tasty chips (simple pleases everyone), and, provided there are no allergies, one of those great-value containers with nuts often sold with global foods at the market, with perhaps some olives without stones for color (try not to still be finding pits in your pot plants months later).
In case, like my mum, you feel snacks real food, one large piece of tasty cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus artfully draped fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A plate featuring cured or cooked meats or fish displayed on it (just one sort, unless you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive store-bought tart, similar to available in specialty sections seasonally, is more filling, and you really will succeed with artisanal pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for spreading butter.
