Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Spontaneous Guests
During the busy time, while there's plenty going on which even vivacious people may sometimes long for a quiet break in the new year, it's all too easy to overlook details. I believe I'm not the sole person who's once felt surprised awake at my desk because of an inquiry by someone asking, "What time are we expected over later?" Don't worry; if you're forgetful, and just inclined toward last-minute plans, I've got you covered.
The Key to Great Get-Togethers
Firstly, though I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you have planned for a year versus just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties are the easiest. What anyone expects are engaging talks, something to sip, plus sufficient food so they do not end up gnawing something during the ride home. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, no one expects extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering or entertainers.
The most successful gatherings are the most basic. Still, a concept helps to cover up the fact you've only put the event together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Style to Direct The Preparations
That said, a theme can be useful for disguising the fact you have just put this thing on on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of something like the holidays. Getting slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, chilled brews and tequila drinks, along with lots of snacks, tomato dip & avocado dip, with Luis Miguel playing) helps direct your options during the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Buying to Support Your Gathering
At the shops, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, one not in case others avoid alcohol) plus a few snacks suited to the theme, and get a generous amount within your budget, rather than worrying about giving people a wide selection. No thing looks as generous and as festive as abundance – I would consistently prefer to be welcomed by a sink stocked with cold bottles with affordable crémant or cava than one glass of swanky champagne. (Include several packs of ice, too; there is seldom enough ice.)
Cocktails & Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy
Should you demonstrate skills and provide a cocktail, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a jug so you aren't stuck messing about with it while you should be socializing. Once the party begins, ask a partner or friend to keep an eye on the drinks then replenish as necessary till it's finished. Follow suit with the soft drink; people love to have a job while socializing so they can enjoy some of goodwill.
On the punch front, whatever mix you choose (there are many on the internet), skip anything overly sugary – any kids present should have their own drinks – and should you have one, put a bottle of bitters close by (refrain from putting any into the punch since they are inappropriate for people who do not consume drinks entirely). Take care with how it looks so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel unimportant; it only takes a short time to cut several pieces of citrus for garnish.
Nibbles That Work Without Preparation
In my view, I'd skip the readymade platters of "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they seem fancy, and often involve turning the oven on (should you opt for these, remember that all guests secretly favors garlic bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced nothing beats two large containers with tasty crisps (plain salted is universally liked), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those big and excellent value bags with nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives for color (try not to still be finding stones in your pot plants next Easter).
If, like my mum, you don't consider chips real food, one big slab of tasty cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus artfully draped fruit always looks artistic. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or a nice ready-made tart, of the type that pop up at delis seasonally, is more filling, and you truly will succeed with artisanal pieces of flatbread, since they don't need buttering.
