Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
Throughout the holiday season, while there is plenty going on that even energetic people might occasionally anticipate a quiet break in the new year, it's all too simple to forget things. I'm sure I cannot be the only person who has ever felt jolted awake at work because of a text from someone wondering, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; if you're distracted, or simply prone to spontaneous gatherings, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Successful Parties
Firstly, though I can't stress this enough, whether you've been planning for months or only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the simplest. What everyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, something to drink, plus enough to eat so they don't feel like chewing something during the bus back. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred food or musical performances.
The best parties are the easiest. Still, an idea is useful to disguise the fact you've only thrown the party together while coming back from the office.
Picking a Concept to Focus Your Preparations
Still, a theme can be useful to hide that you've just put this thing together on the way after work. And with a theme, I mean for example the holidays. Going a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood and flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; or Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, chilled brews or margaritas, along with heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip and green spread, with festive music in the background) will focus your options during the necessary shopping trip.
Strategic Shopping to Support Your Party
At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for some don't want to) plus some nibbles suited to the theme, then purchase as much of them as possible, rather than stressing over providing endless options. No thing looks more welcoming and as festive as plenty – I would always prefer to arrive with a tub filled with chilled bottles with competitively priced sparkling wine over a single glass with expensive bubbly. (Add some bags for chilling, too; there is never plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Party Beverages Made Easy
Should you demonstrate skills and serve a cocktail, then prepare ahead a big quantity in a pitcher so that you aren't left messing about with it while you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a significant other or helper to watch it then replenish if required until it's finished. Do the same with the alcohol-free option; people enjoy to be given a task during gatherings so they can experience a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whatever mix you go for (you can find plenty on the internet), steer clear of anything overly sugary – young ones present should have their own drinks – and should it's available, put a bottle of bitters within reach (avoid adding any to the bowl as they're unsafe for those who avoid alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a minute to add several pieces of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Food That Delight With Minimal Effort
Personally, I would avoid the store-bought platters with "party foods" available in supermarkets at this time of year; they feel fussy, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you choose to go this route, know that all guests truly favors toasted bread or cocktail sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several really big dishes with decent snacks (plain salted will offend no one), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those great-value containers with nuts typically found with global foods at the market, along with a few pitted olives for color (try not to still be finding pits in odd places next Easter).
If, similar to some, you think chips real food, a single big slab of quality cheese served simply with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks visually appealing. A plate with some cured or cooked meats or fish displayed there (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), or a nice pre-made tart, like those that pop up at delis at this time of year, is more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong with rustic slices of Italian bread, since there's no need for additional preparation.
