Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Simple Entertaining for Unexpected Guests
In this holiday time, while there is plenty going on that even energetic people may sometimes anticipate the calm respite in the new year, it is very easy to neglect details. I'm sure I'm not the only one who's ever been jolted awake at work because of a message by a friend asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Don't worry; if you're distracted, or just likely to make last-minute invitations, I've got some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Great Get-Togethers
First and foremost, though I can't emphasize it sufficiently, if you have organized long in advance versus only a short while, the best events tend to be the simplest. All everyone really wants is a good chat, something to drink, plus sufficient to eat that guests don't end up chewing an arm off on the ride home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet catering and a live band.
The greatest parties tend to be the easiest. Still, a concept is useful to cover up the fact you have only thrown the event together on the way back from the office.
Selecting a Concept to Direct Your Preparations
Nevertheless, a theme can be useful for disguising that you've only put the party together on the way after work. And by theme, I mean such as the holidays. Going slightly more detailed (Nordic holidays, say, featuring glögg, spiced punch, smoked fish and rye crackers, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, cold beers and cocktails, along with lots of tortilla chips, tomato dip & avocado dip, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow the selection on the upcoming grocery run.
Smart Buying to Support Your Gathering
While shopping, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for others don't want to) and a couple of appetizers suited to the style, and buy as much of them as possible, instead of fretting about offering guests a wide selection. No thing appears more welcoming and cheerful than a bounty – I'd always prefer to arrive with a container stocked with cold bottles with affordable crémant or cava over a small serving of fancy champagne. (Include several packs of cubes, too; there is never plenty of ice.)
Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy
If you feel the need to show off and provide a cocktail, then mix in advance a big quantity in a container so you aren't left busying yourself with drinks while it's time to enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a close friend or volunteer to watch the drinks then top up when needed until it runs out. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to be given a task at a party so they can experience a share of goodwill.
On the punch front, whichever formula you pick (there are many via search), avoid anything overly sugary – young ones there ought to have their own drinks – and if you have one, place a bottle of bitters nearby (refrain from putting any in the mix since they are unsafe for individuals who avoid drinks entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel neglected; just spend a moment to add several pieces of fruit to the punch.
Nibbles That Shine Without Fuss
For me, I would avoid the store-bought assortments of "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as fancy, and frequently require heating things up (if you choose to go this route, know that all guests quietly favors toasted bread or small hot dogs regardless). I truly believe nothing beats several large containers with good-quality snacks (simple is universally liked), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts typically found in the international aisle at the market, along with a few pitted olives for color (it's best to avoid to still be finding pits around the house in the future).
If, similar to some, you think snacks real food, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board with crackers and some artfully draped fruit often appears artistic. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out there (only one type, except if you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive store-bought pie, of the type that appear in specialty sections seasonally, is more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong by serving artisanal pieces of focaccia, because they require no additional preparation.