Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Company
Throughout this holiday time, while there's plenty going on that the most energetic people might sometimes long for a calm break in January, it's very easy to overlook details. I believe I cannot be the only person who's once felt jolted awake while at my desk by a text by a friend wondering, "What time should we come over tonight?" Don't worry; whether you are forgetful, or simply inclined toward impromptu plans, I have you covered.
The Secret to Successful Gatherings
Firstly, though I cannot emphasize it enough, whether you have planned for a year versus just a short while, the greatest parties tend to be the easiest. What anyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to drink, and enough to eat so they don't end up gnawing their arm during the ride home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred food and a live band.
The best gatherings are the simplest. That said, a concept helps to mask the fact you've only thrown the event together while coming back from the office.
Selecting a Theme to Direct Your Preparations
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful to conceal the fact you have only thrown this thing together on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of for example Christmas. Getting a bit more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, say, with spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, including ponche navideño, refreshing lagers or cocktails, and heaps of snacks, salsa and avocado dip, with festive music in the background) helps direct your options during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Purchasing to Support Your Gathering
In the store, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for drinkers, one not for others prefer not to) and some snacks that match the style, then buy as many as you can afford, instead of stressing over offering guests too much choice. No thing appears more welcoming and celebratory as abundance – I would consistently prefer to be welcomed by a tub filled with iced containers of competitively priced sparkling wine than a single glass of fancy bubbly. (Include several packs of cubes, too; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Simplified
If you must show off and serve a cocktail, then mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so you're not stuck busying yourself with drinks while it's time to having fun. After starting, request a significant other or volunteer to monitor the drinks and replenish when needed until it runs out. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to be given a task while socializing allowing them to experience a share of goodwill.
On the punch front, whatever recipe you choose (there are many via search), steer clear of anything overly sugary – children there should have kid-friendly options – and should you own one, put flavor enhancers within reach (don't add any into the punch since they're inappropriate for individuals abstaining from alcohol entirely). Take care with presentation so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem like an afterthought; just spend a moment to cut some slices of fruit into the bowl.
Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Effort
In my view, I'd skip the readymade trays of "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores at this time of year; they come across as overly complicated, and frequently require heating things up (if you must do this, be aware that all guests truly prefers garlic bread or cocktail sausages anyway). I truly believe nothing beats a couple of sizable containers of decent snacks (plain salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value containers with nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (you don't want to find stones around the house months later).
If, like my mum, you think chips substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads plus artfully draped grapes tends to seem artistic. A serving dish with some cured or cooked meats or fish laid out on it (a single variety, unless you're wealthy), or a handsome ready-made pie, like those available in specialty sections at this time of year, proves more substantial, while you really won't fail with artisanal slices of Italian bread, since there's no need for spreading butter.
