Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Effortless Entertaining for Spontaneous Company
During the festive time, when there's a lot going on that the most energetic individuals may occasionally long for a calm break of the new year, it's all too easy to neglect details. I believe I cannot be the only one who's once been jolted awake at my desk by a text from a friend wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're distracted, or just inclined toward last-minute gatherings, I have you covered.
The Secret to Memorable Gatherings
Firstly, though I can't emphasize this enough, if you have planned for months or just a short while, the greatest parties tend to be the simplest. All anyone really wants is a good chat, something to enjoy, and sufficient to eat so they don't end up chewing something on the ride home. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates professional bartending, fancy catering and musical performances.
The best parties tend to be the most basic. However, a concept helps to disguise the fact you have only thrown this thing on while coming after a long day.
Selecting a Theme to Guide The Shopping
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you've just thrown this thing on while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish plus rye crackers, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, chilled brews and margaritas, along with plenty of corn chips, tomato dip & green spread, with upbeat tunes playing) will focus your options on the inevitable grocery run.
Strategic Purchasing for The Event
At the shops, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for some don't want to) plus a few nibbles that match the theme, then get as many as possible, rather than worrying about offering guests a wide selection. Nothing looks more abundant and as festive as plenty – I would always rather to be welcomed by a sink stocked with cold bottles of affordable bubbly than one glass with fancy champagne. (Add a few bags of ice, too; there is never sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
If you must demonstrate skills and serve a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so you're not stuck messing about with preparation when it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a partner or helper to watch it and refill if required till it's finished. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; people enjoy to have a task while socializing allowing them to share in some of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whatever mix you choose (there are many online), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – children there ought to have their own drinks – and if you own one, put flavor enhancers close by (refrain from putting any into the punch as they're unsafe for individuals who avoid drinks entirely). Put in some work with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a moment to cut several pieces of fruit to the punch.
Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Fuss
In my view, I'd skip the store-bought platters of "party foods" that appear at grocery stores at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you choose to do this, remember that everyone truly favors toasted bread or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat several sizable containers with decent snacks (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of great-value containers with nuts typically found with global foods in stores, along with a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to still be finding pits in your pot plants next Easter).
If, like my mum, you don't consider crisps proper food, a single large piece of quality cheese on a platter and crispbreads plus beautifully placed fruit always looks visually appealing. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out there (only one type, unless money is no object), alternatively a nice pre-made pastry, of the type that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is even more substantial, while you really can't go wrong with rustic slices of Italian bread, since they require no buttering.
