Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Entertaining for Spontaneous Company
Throughout the festive time, while there's so much happening which even lively people might sometimes long for the quiet respite of the new year, it's very simple to overlook details. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has ever been startled back to reality at work by an inquiry by someone wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" No worries; if you are forgetful, and just inclined toward impromptu invitations, I've got your back.
The Secret to Great Get-Togethers
Above all, and I can't stress this sufficiently, if you have been planning for a year or only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events are the easiest. All anyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, and sufficient nibbles so guests don't end up gnawing their arm during the ride back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred catering and entertainers.
The most successful parties tend to be the simplest. However, a theme is useful to cover up the fact you have just thrown this thing on on the way home from work.
Choosing a Style to Direct The Party Planning
Nevertheless, a theme works well to hide the fact you have only put this thing together on the way home from work. And with a theme, I mean for example the holidays. Getting slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, say, with mulled wine, spiced punch, cured seafood plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, refreshing lagers or cocktails, along with plenty of tortilla chips, tomato dip and guacamole, and upbeat tunes playing) helps direct your options during the inevitable shopping trip.
Strategic Purchasing to Support The Event
In the store, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for some prefer not to) and some nibbles suited to the theme, and get a generous amount as possible, instead of stressing over offering guests too much choice. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory as abundance – I would always prefer to enter by a tub full of chilled bottles with affordable bubbly than a small serving of expensive champagne. (Add some bags for chilling, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Beverages and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you must show off and provide a mixed drink, then pre-mix a big quantity in a container so that you're not stuck busying yourself with drinks when you ought to be having fun. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or friend to keep an eye on it then top up when needed till it's finished. Do the same for the non-alcoholic punch; people enjoy to have a task while socializing so they can enjoy a share of goodwill.
Regarding punch, whichever recipe you go for (there are many via search), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids present need separate beverages – and if you own one, plonk aromatic bitters within reach (avoid adding any in the mix since they're inappropriate for individuals abstaining from alcohol entirely). Take care with how it looks so the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; just spend a minute to slice a few rounds of citrus to the punch.
Nibbles That Work With Minimal Effort
Personally, I would avoid the store-bought assortments with "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and usually require turning the oven on (if you must opt for these, remember that everyone quietly favors toasted bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats several large dishes with tasty snacks (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no allergies, some of those large and economical containers of nuts available with global foods in stores, along with some olives without stones for color (it's best to avoid to discover stones in odd places in the future).
If, similar to some, you don't consider snacks proper food, one big slab of tasty cheese on a platter with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), alternatively an attractive store-bought pastry, like those that appear on deli counters at this time of year, is even more satisfying, while you truly will succeed by serving rustic slices of flatbread, since they don't need spreading butter.
