An Expert's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
Throughout this holiday period, when there is plenty going on which even lively people might occasionally long for the calm break of January, it's very simple to forget details. I'm sure I cannot be the sole person who has once been surprised awake at my desk because of a text from a friend wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" Don't worry; if you're absent minded, or simply likely to make spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.
The Key to Successful Get-Togethers
Firstly, and I can't stress it enough, whether you have been planning for months versus just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. All everyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, plus enough to eat so they do not end up gnawing an arm off on the ride back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering and a live band.
The greatest parties are the most basic. Still, an idea is useful to mask the fact you have just thrown the party together while coming back from the office.
Selecting a Theme to Direct The Party Planning
Nevertheless, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you've just put this thing on on the way after work. By concept, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with spiced drink, warm beverage, smoked fish and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including ponche navideño, chilled brews or tequila drinks, and heaps of tortilla chips, salsa and avocado dip, and Luis Miguel on the stereo) helps direct your choices during the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Smart Buying for The Event
While shopping, choose a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not in case others avoid alcohol) plus some nibbles that fit your concept, then get as many as you can afford, instead of fretting about providing endless options. No thing appears more abundant and as festive than plenty – I'd consistently prefer to enter by a sink filled with chilled bottles of reasonably priced bubbly than a single glass with swanky bubbly. (Include several packs for chilling, too; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
Beverages & Punch Streamlined
If you must impress and offer a cocktail, make sure to prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so you're not stuck faffing around with it when it's time to having fun. After starting, ask a significant other or volunteer to monitor the drinks and top up as necessary until it runs out. Do the same with the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to take on a task while socializing allowing them to enjoy some of goodwill.
Regarding punch, whatever formula you go for (you can find plenty via search), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – children present ought to have separate beverages – and should it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding any in the mix as they are unsafe for people abstaining from alcohol altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to slice some slices of citrus to the punch.
Snacks That Shine Without Fuss
In my view, I would avoid the store-bought trays with "party foods" available in shops at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and frequently involve heating things up (should you go this route, remember that everyone secretly likes toasted bread and/or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat two large bowls with decent crisps (plain salted is universally liked), and, assuming no allergies, a package of great-value packets with nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, and maybe a few ready-to-eat olives for color (it's best to avoid to discover pits around the house next Easter).
If, as my mother says, you don't consider chips real food, one sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board with crackers and some elegantly arranged fruit tends to seem painterly. A platter with some salted or prepared salami or salmon arranged on it (a single variety, unless money is no object), alternatively a handsome ready-made pastry, similar to available at delis at this time of year, is even more substantial, and you really won't fail by serving rustic chunks of flatbread, because they don't need spreading butter.
