Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Effortless Hosting for Unexpected Company
In the holiday period, while there is a lot going on that even vivacious individuals may sometimes long for a quiet respite in January, it is all too easy to overlook things. I expect I cannot be the sole one who has ever felt surprised back to reality at work because of an inquiry by a friend asking, "What time are we expected over later?" Fear not; if you're absent minded, and simply prone to impromptu invitations, I've got you covered.
The Key to Successful Gatherings
Above all, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, if you have planned for months or only 15 minutes, the best events tend to be the simplest. What everyone expects are engaging talks, something to enjoy, plus enough food that they don't end up chewing something during the ride home. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, nobody expects a full bar, Michelin-starred catering or entertainers.
The greatest gatherings are the most basic. However, a theme is useful to mask the fact you've only thrown this thing on while coming after a long day.
Picking a Theme to Guide Your Preparations
That said, a theme works well for disguising that you have only put this thing on while returning after work. And with a theme, think of for example the holidays. Getting a bit focused (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and crispbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, including ponche navideño, chilled brews or tequila drinks, and heaps of corn chips, tomato dip & avocado dip, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow your options on the necessary grocery run.
Practical Purchasing to Support Your Event
In the store, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for some avoid alcohol) and some snacks that match your concept, then purchase a generous amount as possible, instead of worrying about providing a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and celebratory as a bounty – I'd consistently rather to be welcomed by a tub full of chilled bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine than one glass with swanky champagne. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, too; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)
Beverages and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
Should you show off and offer a special beverage, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a container so that you're not left faffing around with drinks when you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or helper to monitor the drinks then top up when needed until it runs out. Follow suit with the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to be given a task at a party so they can share in a share of festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you choose (you can find plenty online), steer clear of anything excessively sweet – any kids there should have separate beverages – and if it's available, put aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any to the bowl since they're unsafe for people who do not consume alcohol altogether). Take care in presenting it so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a short time to add some slices of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Food That Delight Without Preparation
For me, I would avoid the readymade trays of "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you choose to do this, be aware that all guests secretly favors toasted bread and/or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top two large dishes with decent chips (salted will offend no one), plus, provided there are no issues, one of those big and excellent value containers of nuts available in the international aisle at the market, and maybe a few olives without stones for color (it's best to avoid to find pits in your pot plants months later).
If, similar to some, you think chips real food, a single big slab of good cheese on a platter with crackers plus artfully draped fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish displayed there (just one sort, except if money is no object), or a handsome store-bought pastry, of the type that pop up at delis seasonally, is more filling, and you truly will succeed with homestyle pieces of Italian bread, since they require no additional preparation.
