An Expert's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Effortless Entertaining for Last-Minute Guests
In the festive period, when there is plenty going on that even energetic people may occasionally anticipate a calm respite of January, it is all too easy to neglect things. I believe I cannot be the only person who has ever been jolted back to reality at work by an inquiry by a friend asking, "What time are we expected over later?" Fear not; whether you're forgetful, or simply likely to make spontaneous gatherings, I've got some solutions.
The Secret to Successful Gatherings
Firstly, though I can't stress it enough, whether you've planned long in advance versus just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties are the easiest. All everyone really wants are a good chat, a drink to sip, plus sufficient nibbles that guests do not feel like chewing their arm on the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects professional bartending, gourmet food and a live band.
The best parties tend to be the simplest. That said, a theme helps to cover up the fact you've just thrown the event on while coming home from work.
Selecting a Concept to Focus Your Shopping
Nevertheless, an overarching idea can be useful for disguising the fact you have only thrown this thing on on the way from the office. By concept, I mean for example the holidays. Getting a bit more specific (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring glögg, warm beverage, fish snacks plus crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with holiday punch, cold beers and margaritas, along with plenty of corn chips, salsa and avocado dip, with festive music playing) can narrow your choices during the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Buying for The Party
While shopping, choose a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case others don't want to) and some snacks that fit your concept, then buy as many as possible, rather than fretting about giving people too much choice. Nothing looks more abundant and celebratory than a bounty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed with a sink filled with cold bottles of competitively priced bubbly than a small serving with fancy champagne. (Add some bags for chilling, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)
Cocktails and Punch Streamlined
If you must impress and serve a mixed drink, make sure to mix in advance a large batch in a jug so you're not stuck messing about with drinks while you ought to be enjoying yourself. After starting, request a significant other or volunteer to watch it and refill as necessary until it's finished. Follow suit with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to have a role at a party so they can experience a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whichever recipe you pick (you can find plenty online), steer clear of anything too sweet – children present need separate beverages – and should you own one, plonk a bottle of bitters within reach (don't add any in the mix as they're inappropriate for people who avoid alcohol altogether). Take care with how it looks so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a moment to slice several pieces of fruit for garnish.
Nibbles That Work Without Fuss
For me, I'd skip the readymade trays with "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets during the holidays; they feel fancy, and often involve heating things up (if you must go this route, know that everyone secretly prefers garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats several sizable dishes with good-quality snacks (salted will offend no one), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those great-value packets with nuts often sold with global foods in stores, along with a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to find pits around the house next Easter).
In case, like my mum, you don't consider crisps real food, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese served simply and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes tends to seem artistic. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out on it (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), or an attractive pre-made pie, like those that appear at delis seasonally, is more satisfying, while you truly won't fail with artisanal chunks of Italian bread, since they don't need additional preparation.
