Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Company
Throughout this festive time, when there's a lot going on which the most energetic individuals might sometimes long for the calm break in the new year, it is all too easy to overlook things. I believe I'm not the only one who's once felt surprised back to reality at my desk because of a message from a friend asking, "What time should we come us later?" Fear not; whether you're forgetful, or just likely to make last-minute plans, I've got you covered.
The Key to Memorable Gatherings
Firstly, though I cannot stress it sufficiently, if you've organized long in advance or only a short while, the greatest parties are the easiest. What everyone is hoping for is a good chat, something to enjoy, and enough food that they don't feel like gnawing something on the ride home. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred food and musical performances.
The best gatherings tend to be the most basic. That said, a theme helps to mask the reality you've only thrown the event on while coming after a long day.
Selecting a Style to Guide The Party Planning
Nevertheless, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you've only put the party together on the way home from work. And with a theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish plus flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, including ponche navideño, chilled brews or tequila drinks, and plenty of tortilla chips, tomato dip & green spread, and Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your options on the necessary supermarket sweep.
Strategic Shopping to Support Your Event
While shopping, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case some avoid alcohol) and a couple of nibbles suited to the style, and purchase as much of them within your budget, rather than worrying about providing too much choice. No thing appears more abundant and cheerful than a bounty – I would always rather to be welcomed by a container filled with cold bottles of reasonably priced sparkling wine than a single glass with swanky champagne. (Add several packs of cubes, too; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
Should you demonstrate skills and offer a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a big quantity in a container so you're not left busying yourself with preparation while you should be socializing. Once underway, ask a close friend or volunteer to keep an eye on the drinks then refill if required till it's gone. Do the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to be given a role while socializing allowing them to experience some of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whatever formula you pick (you can find plenty via search), avoid any recipe overly sugary – young ones present need separate beverages – and if you have one, place a bottle of bitters nearby (refrain from putting them to the bowl since they are unsafe for individuals who avoid alcohol entirely). Put in some work with how it looks so that the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived unimportant; it doesn't take a minute to add a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.
Nibbles That Work Without Preparation
Personally, I'd skip the store-bought trays of "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they feel fancy, and frequently involve using the oven (if you choose to go this route, be aware that all guests secretly favors garlic bread and/or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of really big dishes of decent crisps (salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, a package of big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts often sold in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps some olives without stones for colour (try not to find stones in odd places months later).
If, like my mum, you think crisps proper food, one large piece of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads and some artfully draped grapes often appears visually appealing. A serving dish with some salted or prepared meats or fish arranged there (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or a handsome ready-made pie, like those that pop up in specialty sections during festivities, is even more filling, and you truly won't fail by serving artisanal pieces of Italian bread, because they don't need additional preparation.