Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Simple Entertaining for Spontaneous Visitors
In this busy period, while there's so much happening which even energetic people might sometimes look forward to a calm break in the new year, it's all too simple to neglect things. I believe I cannot be the only person who has ever been jolted awake at my desk by an inquiry from someone wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" No worries; if you're forgetful, or simply likely to make impromptu gatherings, I've got your back.
The Key to Memorable Get-Togethers
Above all, and I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you've organized long in advance or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties are the easiest. All anyone expects is pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, plus sufficient to eat that guests don't end up gnawing something on the ride back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates a full bar, fancy food or entertainers.
The best parties are the easiest. However, an idea is useful to mask the reality you have only thrown the party together while coming home from work.
Selecting a Theme to Direct Your Party Planning
Still, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal that you have just put the party on on the way from the office. By concept, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, with spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish plus rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; or Latin American celebration, including traditional drink, cold beers and margaritas, along with heaps of snacks, salsa and guacamole, with festive music playing) helps direct the selection on the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Strategic Shopping for Your Event
While shopping, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case some avoid alcohol) plus a couple of snacks suited to the theme, and purchase a generous amount as you can afford, rather than stressing over providing a wide selection. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory than plenty – I'd consistently prefer to be welcomed with a sink filled with chilled bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine than a small serving with fancy champagne. (Add a few bags for chilling, too; you'll find never sufficient ice.)
Beverages and Party Beverages Streamlined
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and serve a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a big quantity in a jug so you're not stuck messing about with it while you should be socializing. After starting, enlist a significant other or volunteer to monitor it then replenish when needed until it's gone. Follow suit for the soft drink; people appreciate to take on a task during gatherings so they can share in some of positive vibes.
Regarding punch, whichever mix you go for (there are many on the internet), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – children present need kid-friendly options – and should you have one, plonk aromatic bitters nearby (avoid adding any to the bowl as they're not suitable for people abstaining from alcohol entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to add some slices of fruit for garnish.
Snacks That Work With Minimal Effort
In my view, I'd skip the readymade platters of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets at this time of year; they come across as overly complicated, and usually involve using the oven (should you do this, remember that all guests secretly prefers garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several really big bowls with decent snacks (salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those great-value bags of nuts often sold in the South Asian section in stores, along with some olives without stones as a garnish (try not to discover pits in your pot plants in the future).
In case, like my mum, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, one large piece of good cheese on a board with crackers and some beautifully placed fruit always looks artistic. A platter with some cured or cooked salami or salmon arranged on it (just one sort, except if you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome store-bought pastry, of the type that appear on deli counters at this time of year, proves more satisfying, while you truly won't fail by serving homestyle slices of Italian bread, since they require no buttering.
