Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Effortless Hosting for Last-Minute Guests
During this busy season, while there's so much happening that the most energetic individuals may occasionally anticipate a quiet break of the new year, it is very easy to neglect details. I expect I cannot be the only one who's ever been jolted back to reality at my desk because of a message from a friend asking, "What time are we expected over later?" Fear not; whether you're absent minded, or just inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Successful Gatherings
First and foremost, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you have been planning long in advance or only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties are the simplest. What everyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, and sufficient nibbles that they don't end up gnawing their arm on the bus back. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet food and entertainers.
The most successful parties tend to be the easiest. That said, a theme helps to mask the fact you've only thrown this thing together while coming home from work.
Choosing a Concept to Focus The Preparations
Still, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you've only put the party on while returning home from work. By concept, think of for example the holidays. Going slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, refreshing lagers and margaritas, along with lots of tortilla chips, salsa & guacamole, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) helps direct your options on the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Purchasing to Support The Party
In the store, choose one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) plus a few nibbles that fit the style, and purchase as much of them within your budget, instead of stressing over offering guests endless options. No thing looks more welcoming and cheerful than abundance – I would consistently rather to arrive with a sink stocked with iced containers with competitively priced bubbly than a small serving of fancy bubbly. (Chuck in a few bags of cubes, too; there is never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
Should you show off and offer a cocktail, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you aren't left faffing around with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once underway, request a close friend or friend to watch the drinks and replenish if required till it's gone. Do the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to take on a task during gatherings so they can enjoy a share of goodwill.
Regarding punch, whichever formula you go for (you can find plenty on the internet), skip any recipe too sweet – young ones present should have separate beverages – and if you have one, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add them in the mix as they're not suitable for individuals who do not consume alcohol altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a short time to add a few rounds of citrus into the bowl.
Snacks That Work Without Preparation
In my view, I recommend passing on the store-bought assortments with "party foods" available at grocery stores seasonally; they come across as fussy, and frequently require using the oven (if you choose to opt for these, be aware that all guests truly favors toasted bread or cocktail sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two large dishes with good-quality snacks (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, a package of large and economical bags of mixed nuts often sold in the South Asian section in stores, and maybe a few olives without stones for color (try not to discover stones around the house in the future).
In case, like my mum, you don't consider snacks proper food, one sizeable chunk of good cheese served simply alongside crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears visually appealing. A plate with some salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood laid out there (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), or an attractive pre-made pie, similar to available at delis at this time of year, is even more substantial, and you really will succeed by serving rustic slices of flatbread, because they don't need buttering.
