Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Effortless Hosting for Unexpected Guests
Throughout this busy period, when there is plenty happening that the most lively people may occasionally look forward to a calm respite of January, it is very easy to overlook things. I believe I'm not the only person who has ever been jolted awake at work because of an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time are we expected over later?" No worries; whether you're distracted, and just inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have your back.
The Key to Memorable Parties
Firstly, and I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have been planning for months versus only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the most straightforward. All everyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus sufficient food that guests do not feel like chewing an arm off on the ride back. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering and musical performances.
The best gatherings tend to be the most basic. However, an idea is useful to cover up the reality you have just thrown this thing together while coming after a long day.
Choosing a Theme to Direct Your Party Planning
Nevertheless, a theme is helpful to hide the fact you've just thrown this thing together while returning home from work. By concept, I mean something like a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, chilled brews or margaritas, and lots of corn chips, spicy sauce and avocado dip, with upbeat tunes playing) will focus your choices on the inevitable grocery run.
Practical Purchasing to Support Your Party
While shopping, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one for others prefer not to) and some nibbles suited to the style, and buy as many as you can afford, rather than worrying about offering guests endless options. Nothing appears more welcoming and as festive than a bounty – I'd always rather to enter with a sink filled with cold bottles of reasonably priced sparkling wine over one glass of expensive champagne. (Include some bags of cubes, too; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you feel the need to impress and offer a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a container so you aren't left faffing around with drinks while it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, request a significant other or friend to watch it then refill if required until it's finished. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; people love to be given a role at a party so they may experience a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whatever recipe you go for (they abound on the internet), skip any recipe overly sugary – any kids present ought to have their own drinks – and if you own one, put a bottle of bitters close by (refrain from putting them in the mix since they are not suitable for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Make an effort with presentation so the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; just spend a moment to slice a few rounds of fruit to the punch.
Nibbles That Delight Without Preparation
In my view, I'd skip the readymade trays with "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem fancy, and often require using the oven (should you do this, know that all guests quietly favors garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats two really big containers of good-quality chips (salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no issues, some of those large and economical packets of mixed nuts available in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps a few olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to discover pits in odd places in the future).
In case, like my mum, you think crisps substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some beautifully placed fruit tends to seem painterly. A serving dish with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome pre-made pastry, of the type that appear on deli counters during festivities, is even more filling, while you truly won't fail with rustic pieces of Italian bread, because they don't need spreading butter.
