Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Plan: Effortless Hosting for Last-Minute Visitors
In this busy time, when there is plenty going on which the most lively people might sometimes long for the quiet break of January, it's all too easy to forget things. I expect I cannot be the only person who has once been startled awake while at work because of a text by a friend wondering, "What time do you want over later?" No worries; if you're absent minded, and just likely to make spontaneous plans, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Great Get-Togethers
Firstly, and I can't emphasize this enough, whether you've been planning for months versus only a quarter-hour, the greatest events are the easiest. What anyone really wants are a good chat, something to drink, plus sufficient food that guests do not end up chewing something on the ride back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, nobody expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred food and musical performances.
The greatest gatherings are the simplest. However, a theme is useful to disguise the reality you have just put the party on while coming back from the office.
Choosing a Style to Focus The Party Planning
Nevertheless, an overarching idea is helpful to hide the fact you have only put the party together while returning after work. And by theme, I mean for example the holidays. Going a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, say, featuring glögg, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, cold beers or cocktails, and lots of corn chips, spicy sauce & avocado dip, with festive music on the stereo) helps direct your choices on the necessary shopping trip.
Strategic Shopping to Support Your Gathering
While shopping, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for others avoid alcohol) plus some nibbles suited to your concept, then buy as much of them within your budget, rather than fretting about giving people too much choice. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory than plenty – I'd consistently prefer to enter with a tub filled with cold bottles of affordable crémant or cava than a small serving of fancy bubbly. (Chuck in a few bags of cubes, too; you'll find never plenty of ice.)
Beverages and Punch Simplified
If you feel the need to impress and offer a mixed drink, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you're not stuck messing about with preparation when you should be enjoying yourself. After starting, enlist a partner or helper to monitor it and replenish as necessary till it's gone. Apply the same for the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to have a role at a party so they can enjoy the festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you choose (you can find plenty on the internet), steer clear of anything too sweet – children present need kid-friendly options – and should it's available, put aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any into the punch since they are inappropriate for those who do not consume drinks altogether). Put in some work in presenting it so that the soft punch doesn't feel like an afterthought; just spend a moment to cut a few rounds of citrus for garnish.
Food That Shine Without Preparation
In my view, I would avoid the store-bought platters with "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they feel fussy, and frequently require heating things up (should you opt for these, know that everyone quietly favors herb bread or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe you can't beat a couple of really big dishes of decent snacks (salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical containers with nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, with perhaps some pitted olives for color (it's best to avoid to discover stones in your pot plants next Easter).
In case, similar to some, you think crisps proper food, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads plus beautifully placed grapes always looks visually appealing. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome pre-made pie, similar to that appear at delis at this time of year, is even more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong by serving artisanal chunks of flatbread, because they require no spreading butter.
