Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Effortless Entertaining for Unexpected Visitors
Throughout this holiday time, while there's plenty going on which the most vivacious individuals may occasionally look forward to the calm break of the new year, it's all too easy to forget things. I expect I'm not the only person who's once been surprised back to reality while at my desk by a message from someone asking, "What time are we expected over later?" Fear not; whether you are forgetful, and simply prone to last-minute gatherings, I've got some solutions.
The Secret to Great Parties
First and foremost, though I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, if you've planned long in advance or just 15 minutes, the greatest events tend to be the easiest. What anyone expects is engaging talks, something to sip, plus enough nibbles so guests don't feel like chewing something during the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects professional bartending, fancy catering and a live band.
The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. That said, a theme is useful to mask the reality you have just put the party on on the way back from the office.
Picking a Concept to Guide The Shopping
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to hide that you have only put this thing together while returning after work. By concept, think of for example Christmas. Getting slightly more detailed (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; or Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, chilled brews or margaritas, and lots of corn chips, spicy sauce & guacamole, and upbeat tunes in the background) will focus your choices on the necessary shopping trip.
Smart Buying for The Party
At the shops, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one for others prefer not to) and a few snacks suited to your concept, and purchase as many within your budget, rather than stressing over providing a wide selection. No thing looks more abundant and cheerful than abundance – I would always rather to arrive with a tub stocked with chilled bottles of competitively priced crémant or cava over a small serving with swanky bubbly. (Add a few bags for chilling, as well; there is never enough ice.)
Drinks & Party Beverages Made Easy
Should you demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a pitcher so that you're not stuck busying yourself with preparation while you ought to be enjoying yourself. After starting, ask a partner or helper to watch the drinks then top up as necessary till it runs out. Apply the same for the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to take on a job during gatherings so they can share in the goodwill.
For large-batch drinks, whatever mix you pick (you can find plenty on the internet), steer clear of anything overly sugary – children present should have kid-friendly options – and should you own one, plonk a bottle of bitters close by (don't add any in the mix since they're unsafe for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Make an effort with presentation so the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a moment to add several pieces of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Snacks That Work Without Preparation
Personally, I recommend passing on the pre-made trays with "party foods" that pop up in shops seasonally; they come across as fancy, and often require using the oven (should you go this route, be aware that everyone quietly likes toasted bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced it's hard to top two sizable dishes of good-quality chips (salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical bags of mixed nuts often sold in the international aisle at the market, with perhaps a few pitted olives for color (try not to still be finding pits in your pot plants months later).
If, as my mother says, you think chips substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of tasty cheese served simply alongside crackers and some artfully draped fruit often appears artistic. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood arranged on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), alternatively an attractive store-bought pastry, similar to that pop up at delis seasonally, proves more filling, while you really can't go wrong by serving artisanal chunks of flatbread, because there's no need for spreading butter.
