Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
In this holiday time, while there is so much going on which the most energetic individuals might occasionally long for the calm break in January, it's all too simple to overlook things. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has once been jolted back to reality while at my desk because of a message from someone wondering, "What time do you want us later?" Fear not; if you're forgetful, and just likely to make last-minute invitations, I've got your back.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Get-Togethers
Firstly, though I cannot stress it enough, if you have organized for months versus only a quarter-hour, the best parties tend to be the most straightforward. What anyone really wants is pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, and enough nibbles that guests don't end up gnawing an arm off on the bus home. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects extensive drinks, gourmet catering or entertainers.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the simplest. That said, a concept is useful to mask the fact you've only thrown the party on on the way back from the office.
Choosing a Concept to Focus Your Party Planning
Nevertheless, a theme is helpful for disguising that you've only put the party on on the way home from work. By concept, I mean something like Christmas. Going a bit more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring glögg, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and rye crackers, folk tunes selection; or Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers and cocktails, and plenty of snacks, salsa and avocado dip, and upbeat tunes in the background) helps direct the selection on the necessary grocery run.
Practical Purchasing to Support The Event
While shopping, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case others don't want to) and a few nibbles suited to your concept, then purchase as much of them within your budget, rather than fretting about offering guests too much choice. Nothing looks more abundant and celebratory as abundance – I'd always rather to arrive by a tub filled with cold bottles of affordable crémant or cava than a single glass of expensive champagne. (Add a few bags for chilling, as well; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Simplified
If you must impress and serve a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a big quantity in a jug so you're not stuck messing about with it while you ought to be socializing. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or volunteer to keep an eye on the drinks then top up if required until it's gone. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; people love to have a job while socializing so they can enjoy a share of festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whatever recipe you choose (there are many via search), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – young ones present need their own drinks – and if you have one, place aromatic bitters nearby (refrain from putting any to the bowl as they are not suitable for individuals who avoid drinks altogether). Put in some work with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a minute to cut a few rounds of citrus to the punch.
Snacks That Delight Without Effort
For me, I recommend passing on the readymade trays with "party foods" that appear at grocery stores during the holidays; they seem fussy, and often involve turning the oven on (should you go this route, remember that everyone quietly likes garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat a couple of really big bowls of good-quality snacks (simple pleases everyone), plus, assuming no allergies, one of those big and excellent value bags of mixed nuts typically found in the international aisle of supermarkets, and maybe a few pitted olives for color (you don't want to still be finding stones in odd places months later).
If, as my mother says, you think snacks proper food, one big slab of tasty cheese served simply with crackers plus artfully draped fruit often appears visually appealing. A platter with some cured or cooked salami or salmon arranged there (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a nice store-bought pastry, similar to that pop up on deli counters at this time of year, is more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong with rustic chunks of Italian bread, since there's no need for spreading butter.
