Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Company
In the festive season, while there is plenty going on which even energetic people may sometimes long for a calm respite of the new year, it's all too easy to forget details. I'm sure I'm not the only person who's ever felt surprised back to reality while at my desk by an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time should we come over tonight?" No worries; whether you're absent minded, and simply inclined toward last-minute plans, I have some solutions.
The Key to Great Get-Togethers
Firstly, though I cannot stress this enough, whether you have organized for months versus just a short while, the best parties are the easiest. What anyone really wants are pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, and enough food that guests don't feel like chewing something during the bus back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, fancy catering or musical performances.
The best parties are the easiest. Still, a theme is useful to disguise the fact you have just thrown the party on while coming home from work.
Choosing a Concept to Direct Your Party Planning
That said, an overarching idea works well to conceal the fact you've only put the party together on the way home from work. And with a theme, think of something like the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring glögg, spiced punch, fish snacks plus rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; or Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, cold beers or cocktails, and plenty of snacks, tomato dip and green spread, with Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your options during the necessary supermarket sweep.
Strategic Purchasing to Support The Gathering
At the shops, choose one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not for others prefer not to) plus some snacks that match the style, and buy as much of them as possible, instead of worrying about providing endless options. No thing looks more abundant and cheerful as abundance – I'd consistently prefer to arrive by a container full of iced containers with affordable crémant or cava than a small serving of expensive bubbly. (Add several packs of cubes, as well; you'll find never plenty of ice.)
Cocktails & Party Beverages Simplified
Should you show off and provide a cocktail, then pre-mix a big quantity in a jug so that you aren't stuck faffing around with preparation when it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or helper to watch it then top up if required until it's finished. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; people appreciate to have a role at a party so they can share in a share of goodwill.
Regarding punch, whichever recipe you go for (there are many via search), steer clear of anything overly sugary – young ones there should have kid-friendly options – and should it's available, place aromatic bitters close by (don't add any to the bowl since they are unsafe for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Take care with how it looks so the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a moment to slice several pieces of fruit into the bowl.
Nibbles That Delight Without Fuss
For me, I would avoid the readymade trays of "party foods" that pop up in shops seasonally; they seem overly complicated, and often require turning the oven on (if you must opt for these, know that all guests quietly likes garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe you can't beat several large containers with tasty chips (plain salted is universally liked), plus, provided there are no allergies, a package of great-value containers of nuts typically found in the South Asian section at the market, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding pits in your pot plants next Easter).
If, as my mother says, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes tends to seem artistic. A plate featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed there (a single variety, except if money is no object), alternatively an attractive pre-made tart, like those that pop up in specialty sections at this time of year, is even more satisfying, while you truly won't fail by serving homestyle chunks of Italian bread, because there's no need for spreading butter.
