An Expert's One-Hour Party Plan: Stress-Free Entertaining for Spontaneous Visitors
In this holiday period, when there is a lot going on that the most lively people might sometimes look forward to the calm break of the new year, it is very simple to neglect details. I expect I'm not the only one who has ever felt surprised awake while at work by an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time do you want us later?" Don't worry; whether you are distracted, or just likely to make impromptu gatherings, I've got you covered.
The Secret to Great Gatherings
First and foremost, though I cannot stress this enough, if you have organized for a year versus just a quarter-hour, the best events are the easiest. All anyone is hoping for are engaging talks, something to enjoy, plus enough food so they do not feel like chewing their arm during the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects a full bar, Michelin-starred food and musical performances.
The best gatherings are the simplest. Still, an idea is useful to cover up the reality you've just thrown this thing together while coming after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Direct The Shopping
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful to hide that you've only thrown this thing on while returning from the office. And with a theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, chilled brews or cocktails, along with plenty of tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole, and Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow your choices on the inevitable grocery run.
Practical Shopping for The Party
While shopping, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for others don't want to) plus a couple of nibbles suited to the theme, and get as much of them as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests too much choice. Nothing looks as generous and cheerful as a bounty – I'd always prefer to enter with a sink full of iced containers of affordable bubbly over one glass with expensive champagne. (Add some bags of ice, too; you'll find never enough ice.)
Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
Should you impress and offer a cocktail, then pre-mix a large batch in a container so that you're not stuck busying yourself with drinks while you should be socializing. Once the party begins, request a significant other or friend to watch the drinks and replenish as necessary till it's gone. Follow suit with the alcohol-free option; guests love to be given a task while socializing allowing them to experience a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you pick (they abound via search), avoid anything too sweet – young ones there should have their own drinks – and should it's available, put flavor enhancers within reach (don't add them in the mix since they're inappropriate for those abstaining from alcohol entirely). Make an effort with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a moment to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange for garnish.
Food That Shine With Minimal Effort
In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade trays of "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and often involve using the oven (if you choose to go this route, know that all guests quietly likes garlic bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top two large dishes of tasty crisps (simple is universally liked), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those great-value containers with nuts typically found with global foods in stores, and maybe a few pitted olives for color (you don't want to discover stones around the house next Easter).
If, similar to some, you feel crisps proper food, a single big slab of quality cheese on a platter with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks artistic. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood arranged there (only one type, except if money is no object), or an attractive ready-made pie, of the type that appear at delis during festivities, is more filling, and you really can't go wrong with artisanal pieces of flatbread, since they require no spreading butter.
