An Expert's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors
Throughout the holiday time, when there's plenty going on which the most energetic individuals may occasionally long for a calm break of the new year, it's all too easy to forget things. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who has once felt startled awake at my desk because of an inquiry from a friend asking, "What time are we expected us tonight?" Fear not; if you are distracted, or simply inclined toward spontaneous gatherings, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Successful Gatherings
Above all, and I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have organized for a year versus just a short while, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the easiest. All everyone is hoping for is a good chat, something to enjoy, and enough to eat that guests don't end up gnawing an arm off during the ride home. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred catering or musical performances.
The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. That said, a concept helps to cover up the reality you have just put this thing on on the way home from work.
Picking a Theme to Guide Your Party Planning
Still, a theme can be useful to conceal the fact you've just thrown this thing together while returning home from work. And by theme, I mean such as the holidays. Going a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood plus crispbreads, Nordic beats selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, chilled brews or cocktails, and lots of snacks, spicy sauce and green spread, with upbeat tunes on the stereo) can narrow your options during the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Buying to Support The Gathering
While shopping, select a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one for some don't want to) plus a few snacks suited to the theme, then purchase as many within your budget, rather than worrying about providing endless options. Nothing appears more welcoming and celebratory as plenty – I would consistently rather to arrive with a tub stocked with cold bottles of reasonably priced sparkling wine over a small serving of fancy bubbly. (Add several packs for chilling, too; you'll find never enough ice.)
Cocktails & Party Beverages Simplified
If you must impress and offer a cocktail, then mix in advance a large batch in a jug so that you aren't left messing about with it when you ought to be having fun. Once the party begins, ask a partner or friend to monitor the drinks then refill if required till it's gone. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to be given a task at a party so they can experience a share of positive vibes.
Regarding punch, whatever formula you go for (they abound online), avoid any recipe too sweet – children there need kid-friendly options – and if you own one, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add any into the punch since they are not suitable for individuals who avoid alcohol altogether). Take care with presentation so the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to slice several pieces of citrus into the bowl.
Food That Work With Minimal Effort
Personally, I'd skip the readymade platters of "party foods" that appear at grocery stores seasonally; they feel fancy, and often require using the oven (should you go this route, know that everyone truly prefers herb bread or cocktail sausages anyway). I truly believe nothing beats a couple of sizable bowls with good-quality chips (plain salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no allergies, some of those big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts available in the South Asian section in stores, with perhaps some pitted olives for color (you don't want to still be finding pits around the house months later).
If, like my mum, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, one big slab of good cheese served simply with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit tends to seem painterly. A serving dish with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out there (just one sort, unless money is no object), alternatively a handsome ready-made pie, like those available in specialty sections seasonally, proves more satisfying, while you truly won't fail with artisanal chunks of Italian bread, since there's no need for spreading butter.
