Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Effortless Entertaining for Unexpected Company
Throughout this festive season, when there's so much going on that the most energetic individuals may sometimes long for the calm break of the new year, it's very easy to overlook things. I'm sure I'm not the sole one who has once been jolted back to reality at my desk because of an inquiry from someone asking, "What time are we expected us later?" Fear not; whether you are absent minded, or simply likely to make impromptu plans, I've got some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Great Parties
Firstly, though I cannot emphasize it enough, if you have planned for a year or only a short while, the most enjoyable events tend to be the most straightforward. All anyone expects are engaging talks, a drink to drink, plus enough nibbles that guests do not feel like chewing an arm off during the ride home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet food and entertainers.
The best gatherings tend to be the most basic. That said, a theme helps to cover up the fact you've just thrown this thing together on the way after a long day.
Selecting a Style to Direct Your Preparations
That said, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal the fact you've just put this thing on while returning home from work. And by theme, think of such as the holidays. Getting a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood plus rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, cold beers or margaritas, and lots of tortilla chips, tomato dip and green spread, and Luis Miguel playing) helps direct your options on the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Practical Buying to Support The Party
In the store, choose a drink or two (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for some prefer not to) plus a few nibbles suited to the theme, and buy as many as you can afford, rather than fretting about providing a wide selection. No thing looks more abundant and celebratory as a bounty – I would consistently prefer to arrive by a tub filled with chilled bottles with affordable sparkling wine over a small serving with fancy champagne. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, as well; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Streamlined
If you feel the need to impress and serve a special beverage, then mix in advance a large batch in a pitcher so that you aren't stuck messing about with it when you should be socializing. Once underway, enlist a significant other or volunteer to monitor the drinks and replenish when needed till it runs out. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests appreciate to be given a task at a party so they may share in some of positive vibes.
Regarding punch, whatever formula you choose (they abound online), steer clear of any recipe overly sugary – any kids there should have their own drinks – and if you own one, plonk aromatic bitters close by (don't add them into the punch since they are unsafe for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Put in some work with presentation so the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a minute to cut a few rounds of citrus to the punch.
Nibbles That Delight With Minimal Effort
In my view, I'd skip the readymade trays with "party foods" that pop up in shops at this time of year; they feel fancy, and usually involve heating things up (should you opt for these, be aware that all guests secretly prefers herb bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two really big dishes with tasty snacks (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no allergies, one of those big and excellent value bags of mixed nuts available with global foods at the market, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives for colour (try not to find pits around the house in the future).
If, similar to some, you think chips real food, a single big slab of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads plus artfully draped fruit always looks painterly. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon displayed there (just one sort, unless money is no object), or a nice pre-made tart, of the type available in specialty sections at this time of year, is more satisfying, and you truly can't go wrong with homestyle chunks of focaccia, because they require no buttering.
