Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Entertaining for Unexpected Guests
In this busy season, when there is a lot going on which even energetic individuals might occasionally look forward to the calm break in January, it's all too easy to overlook things. I believe I'm not the only person who's ever felt surprised awake while at my desk by a text by someone wondering, "What time should we come us tonight?" Fear not; whether you're distracted, or just inclined toward last-minute plans, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Great Gatherings
Firstly, and I cannot emphasize it enough, whether you've planned for a year or only 15 minutes, the greatest parties tend to be the most straightforward. All anyone is hoping for are a good chat, a drink to sip, and enough to eat that they don't end up gnawing something on the bus home. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody expects extensive drinks, Michelin-starred food and a live band.
The greatest gatherings are the simplest. However, an idea helps to disguise the fact you have just put the party together on the way back from the office.
Selecting a Concept to Focus Your Preparations
That said, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal that you have only thrown this thing on on the way from the office. By concept, I mean such as the holidays. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring glögg, warm beverage, fish snacks plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including holiday punch, cold beers or margaritas, and lots of snacks, tomato dip and green spread, and festive music on the stereo) helps direct the selection on the necessary shopping trip.
Smart Shopping to Support Your Party
While shopping, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some prefer not to) plus a few snacks that match the theme, and purchase a generous amount as possible, rather than worrying about providing a wide selection. No thing looks as generous and celebratory than abundance – I would always rather to enter by a container filled with iced containers of competitively priced bubbly over a single glass with fancy champagne. (Include several packs of cubes, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails & Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy
Should you show off and offer a mixed drink, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a container so you're not stuck messing about with preparation while you should be socializing. Once the party begins, enlist a significant other or friend to keep an eye on the drinks and replenish as necessary till it's gone. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; people enjoy to take on a task during gatherings allowing them to share in the positive vibes.
On the punch front, whichever formula you choose (you can find plenty on the internet), steer clear of anything excessively sweet – any kids there ought to have their own drinks – and if you own one, place a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding them in the mix as they are not suitable for those who do not consume alcohol altogether). Put in some work with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem unimportant; it doesn't take a short time to slice some slices of fruit into the bowl.
Food That Delight With Minimal Preparation
In my view, I would avoid the readymade assortments with "party foods" that appear in supermarkets during the holidays; they feel fussy, and often require turning the oven on (should you go this route, be aware that everyone secretly favors garlic bread or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced you can't beat several large dishes of decent chips (plain salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no issues, a package of great-value bags of nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, and maybe some pitted olives for colour (you don't want to find stones in odd places in the future).
In case, like my mum, you feel chips proper food, one large piece of good cheese served simply and crispbreads plus beautifully placed fruit always looks visually appealing. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out on it (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), or a nice pre-made tart, similar to available at delis seasonally, is more substantial, and you really will succeed with artisanal pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for spreading butter.
