Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Plan: Stress-Free Hosting for Spontaneous Guests
In this holiday time, while there is a lot going on which even energetic individuals may occasionally long for a quiet respite of the new year, it is very simple to forget details. I believe I cannot be the only one who's ever been startled awake at work by a text by a friend wondering, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; whether you're forgetful, or just prone to last-minute plans, I've got your back.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Gatherings
Above all, though I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you have planned for months or only 15 minutes, the best parties are the simplest. What everyone expects are pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, and enough to eat so guests don't end up chewing their arm on the ride back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, no one expects professional bartending, gourmet catering and musical performances.
The most successful parties tend to be the most basic. However, a theme helps to cover up the fact you've just thrown the event on while coming after a long day.
Picking a Style to Direct The Party Planning
That said, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you have only thrown the party together while returning from the office. And by theme, think of for example Christmas. Going slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, refreshing lagers and margaritas, along with plenty of snacks, salsa and guacamole, with festive music in the background) can narrow your options during the inevitable shopping trip.
Smart Shopping to Support The Party
At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not for some prefer not to) plus a few appetizers that match your concept, then purchase a generous amount as you can afford, rather than worrying about providing too much choice. No thing looks as generous and celebratory than plenty – I would always rather to arrive by a tub full of cold bottles with affordable sparkling wine over a small serving of swanky bubbly. (Include a few bags for chilling, as well; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Cocktails & Party Beverages Made Easy
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't left faffing around with it when you should be having fun. Once the party begins, request a close friend or friend to watch it then top up if required till it's finished. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; people appreciate to have a role while socializing allowing them to enjoy some of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whichever formula you choose (they abound on the internet), avoid anything excessively sweet – children present need their own drinks – and should it's available, put a bottle of bitters close by (don't add them to the bowl as they are inappropriate for people abstaining from drinks altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so that the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; it only takes a moment to cut several pieces of fruit for garnish.
Snacks That Delight Without Effort
For me, I'd skip the readymade platters of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and frequently involve using the oven (if you choose to opt for these, be aware that everyone secretly likes garlic bread or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe you can't beat several really big dishes with decent snacks (simple will offend no one), and, assuming no issues, a package of large and economical containers of mixed nuts often sold with global foods at the market, along with a few pitted olives for colour (you don't want to still be finding stones in your pot plants months later).
In case, as my mother says, you feel chips proper food, a single big slab of quality cheese on a platter with crackers and some beautifully placed grapes always looks painterly. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon arranged on it (just one sort, unless you're wealthy), or an attractive store-bought tart, similar to that appear in specialty sections during festivities, is even more satisfying, and you truly won't fail with homestyle slices of focaccia, since there's no need for spreading butter.
