Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Guests
During the busy season, while there is a lot going on that even lively people might occasionally look forward to the quiet respite in January, it's very easy to forget details. I expect I cannot be the only person who's ever felt startled back to reality at my desk because of a message by a friend wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" Fear not; whether you're distracted, and simply likely to make impromptu gatherings, I've got you covered.
The Key to Successful Gatherings
Firstly, and I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you have planned for months or just a quarter-hour, the best events tend to be the most straightforward. All anyone really wants are pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, and sufficient food that they do not end up chewing their arm during the bus back. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred catering or musical performances.
The greatest gatherings are the simplest. However, an idea helps to mask the fact you have only thrown the event on while coming back from the office.
Choosing a Style to Focus Your Preparations
That said, a theme can be useful to hide the fact you've only put the party together while returning from the office. By concept, think of such as the holidays. Going slightly focused (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, featuring mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood plus flatbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, chilled brews or margaritas, along with plenty of tortilla chips, salsa & guacamole, with upbeat tunes playing) helps direct the selection on the inevitable shopping trip.
Practical Purchasing for The Party
At the shops, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one for others avoid alcohol) and some appetizers that match your concept, then get as much of them within your budget, instead of stressing over offering guests endless options. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory than abundance – I would consistently rather to be welcomed by a tub full of chilled bottles of reasonably priced sparkling wine over a small serving with expensive bubbly. (Chuck in a few bags of ice, as well; you'll find never plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Party Beverages Simplified
Should you impress and offer a mixed drink, then prepare ahead a big quantity in a pitcher so you aren't stuck messing about with it while it's time to socializing. Once underway, request a partner or volunteer to keep an eye on the drinks and top up if required till it's gone. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to be given a role at a party so they can experience the festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you choose (you can find plenty on the internet), avoid anything too sweet – any kids there should have their own drinks – and if you have one, place a bottle of bitters close by (avoid adding any in the mix since they're not suitable for people abstaining from alcohol entirely). Put in some work with presentation so that the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; just spend a short time to slice several pieces of citrus into the bowl.
Food That Delight With Minimal Preparation
In my view, I would avoid the pre-made assortments of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as fancy, and often require using the oven (if you choose to do this, remember that everyone quietly favors herb bread or cocktail sausages anyway). I truly believe it's hard to top two really big dishes with decent crisps (salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no issues, some of those big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts often sold with global foods at the market, along with some olives without stones as a garnish (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones in your pot plants in the future).
If, like my mum, you think crisps proper food, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a board and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit tends to seem artistic. A plate with some salted or prepared meats or fish laid out there (a single variety, unless money is no object), alternatively a nice ready-made pastry, similar to available on deli counters at this time of year, proves more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong with artisanal pieces of flatbread, since there's no need for spreading butter.
