Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
During the holiday period, when there is so much happening which even vivacious individuals might occasionally long for the quiet respite in January, it's all too easy to overlook things. I believe I'm not the sole one who has once been startled awake while at my desk because of a text by someone wondering, "What time are we expected us later?" Fear not; if you are distracted, and just prone to spontaneous plans, I have you covered.
The Secret to Great Parties
Firstly, and I cannot stress this enough, if you've organized for months versus only 15 minutes, the best events are the simplest. All anyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, and sufficient nibbles that guests don't end up chewing an arm off on the ride home. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred food and a live band.
The most successful gatherings are the easiest. Still, a theme is useful to mask the reality you've just thrown the party on on the way home from work.
Choosing a Theme to Focus Your Party Planning
Still, an overarching idea can be useful for disguising that you have only thrown this thing together on the way home from work. And with a theme, think of for example the holidays. Going a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or fiesta-style party, including ponche navideño, cold beers or margaritas, and heaps of snacks, salsa and green spread, and festive music playing) will focus your choices during the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Smart Buying to Support Your Event
At the shops, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for others prefer not to) plus a few snacks that match your concept, then purchase a generous amount as you can afford, rather than worrying about offering guests a wide selection. No thing appears as generous and celebratory as abundance – I'd always prefer to enter with a sink stocked with cold bottles of affordable crémant or cava over a single glass with expensive champagne. (Chuck in several packs of ice, too; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Streamlined
Should you impress and provide a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a jug so you're not left messing about with drinks while you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, request a partner or volunteer to keep an eye on it and top up as necessary till it runs out. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; people appreciate to be given a role at a party so they can share in some of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whatever recipe you pick (you can find plenty via search), skip any recipe excessively sweet – children present ought to have separate beverages – and should it's available, place flavor enhancers close by (refrain from putting them to the bowl as they're not suitable for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Put in some work with how it looks so the soft punch doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to add several pieces of lemon or orange for garnish.
Snacks That Shine With Minimal Preparation
Personally, I would avoid the readymade trays of "party foods" available in supermarkets at this time of year; they feel fancy, and often require using the oven (should you go this route, know that all guests secretly prefers garlic bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced it's hard to top two sizable containers of decent snacks (simple pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no issues, some of those large and economical packets of nuts typically found with global foods of supermarkets, along with some olives without stones for colour (it's best to avoid to discover pits in your pot plants months later).
If, as my mother says, you think crisps proper food, one big slab of good cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus beautifully placed grapes tends to seem visually appealing. A serving dish with some salted or prepared meats or fish displayed on it (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), or a handsome ready-made pastry, similar to that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, proves more satisfying, while you truly won't fail with artisanal chunks of focaccia, since they don't need buttering.
