Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Guests
In this busy time, when there's a lot happening that even vivacious people might occasionally long for a calm respite of January, it's very easy to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the sole person who has once been startled back to reality at my desk because of a text by someone asking, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; whether you're absent minded, and simply likely to make impromptu gatherings, I have you covered.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Gatherings
First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize it enough, whether you've organized for a year versus just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. What everyone really wants is pleasant conversation, something to sip, and sufficient to eat so they do not end up gnawing something on the bus home. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred catering or entertainers.
The most successful parties tend to be the most basic. That said, a concept is useful to cover up the fact you've only put the event together while coming back from the office.
Picking a Concept to Direct Your Preparations
Still, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you've just thrown this thing together on the way from the office. And with a theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring glögg, spiced punch, cured seafood and crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, chilled brews and tequila drinks, and heaps of corn chips, spicy sauce & avocado dip, and festive music playing) helps direct the selection on the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Smart Purchasing to Support The Gathering
While shopping, pick one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, one not in case some avoid alcohol) plus a couple of appetizers that fit the theme, and buy as many within your budget, rather than fretting about providing endless options. No thing appears as generous and cheerful than abundance – I would consistently prefer to be welcomed with a sink stocked with iced containers of reasonably priced crémant or cava over a small serving with fancy bubbly. (Chuck in several packs of ice, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)
Drinks and Punch Simplified
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and provide a cocktail, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a jug so that you aren't left faffing around with it when it's time to having fun. Once underway, request a significant other or friend to keep an eye on the drinks then replenish when needed until it runs out. Follow suit with the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to have a job at a party so they can share in some of positive vibes.
Regarding punch, whichever formula you choose (there are many via search), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – any kids there should have kid-friendly options – and if you have one, put aromatic bitters within reach (don't add them to the bowl since they're unsafe for those who do not consume alcohol altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel neglected; just spend a moment to cut a few rounds of fruit for garnish.
Snacks That Shine Without Effort
Personally, I'd skip the store-bought assortments with "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores at this time of year; they feel fussy, and often require heating things up (if you must go this route, know that all guests secretly favors toasted bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top two sizable bowls of tasty chips (simple is universally liked), and, provided there are no allergies, some of those great-value packets of nuts available with global foods of supermarkets, and maybe some pitted olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to find stones in odd places in the future).
In case, similar to some, you feel snacks real food, one large piece of tasty cheese served simply alongside crackers plus beautifully placed fruit often appears artistic. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood displayed there (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or a nice pre-made pie, of the type that appear in specialty sections during festivities, is even more substantial, while you really can't go wrong with artisanal slices of Italian bread, because they require no spreading butter.
