Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Guests
In this holiday period, while there's so much happening which the most vivacious people might sometimes anticipate the calm break in the new year, it's very simple to overlook details. I expect I'm not the sole one who has once been startled awake while at my desk because of a text by a friend wondering, "What time are we expected over later?" No worries; if you are absent minded, and simply likely to make last-minute invitations, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Great Gatherings
Above all, and I can't stress this enough, if you have organized for months or only a quarter-hour, the greatest events are the simplest. All everyone really wants are pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus sufficient food that they do not end up gnawing their arm on the ride home. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates a full bar, fancy food or musical performances.
The most successful parties are the most basic. That said, a concept helps to mask the fact you have only put this thing on while coming back from the office.
Selecting a Style to Guide Your Party Planning
That said, a theme is helpful to conceal that you have only put the party on on the way from the office. And by theme, I mean something like Christmas. Getting slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with spiced drink, warm beverage, cured seafood and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, cold beers and tequila drinks, along with lots of snacks, salsa & green spread, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus the selection on the necessary supermarket sweep.
Practical Buying to Support Your Gathering
While shopping, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for others don't want to) and a few nibbles suited to the theme, then get as much of them as you can afford, rather than worrying about providing endless options. No thing looks more welcoming and cheerful than plenty – I would always prefer to arrive by a sink stocked with iced containers of competitively priced bubbly than one glass of expensive champagne. (Include several packs of cubes, as well; you'll find never sufficient ice.)
Beverages and Party Beverages Streamlined
If you feel the need to show off and offer a special beverage, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a container so that you're not stuck messing about with drinks when it's time to socializing. After starting, ask a close friend or volunteer to watch it then refill when needed until it runs out. Do the same for the soft drink; guests love to have a job at a party allowing them to enjoy the festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whatever formula you choose (they abound online), avoid any recipe overly sugary – young ones present ought to have separate beverages – and if you have one, put flavor enhancers close by (don't add any to the bowl as they're inappropriate for individuals abstaining from drinks entirely). Put in some work with presentation so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to add several pieces of citrus for garnish.
Nibbles That Work With Minimal Fuss
In my view, I would avoid the store-bought platters with "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they feel fancy, and usually involve using the oven (should you go this route, remember that all guests truly likes herb bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I truly believe nothing beats several sizable containers of tasty crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of large and economical packets of nuts typically found in the international aisle at the market, and maybe some pitted olives for color (try not to discover stones in odd places in the future).
In case, like my mum, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of good cheese on a board with crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears painterly. A platter featuring salted or prepared meats or fish displayed on it (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), alternatively an attractive ready-made pastry, of the type that appear on deli counters seasonally, proves more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong by serving rustic pieces of flatbread, because there's no need for spreading butter.
