Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors
Throughout this holiday season, when there's a lot going on that the most energetic people may occasionally long for a quiet respite in January, it is very easy to forget things. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who has once felt jolted awake at my desk by a text from a friend asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're forgetful, and just prone to impromptu gatherings, I have you covered.
The Secret to Successful Gatherings
Above all, and I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, if you've planned for months or just a short while, the best parties are the most straightforward. All anyone expects are engaging talks, a drink to drink, plus enough to eat so guests don't feel like chewing their arm on the ride home. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred food or entertainers.
The best parties are the easiest. That said, a concept is useful to disguise the fact you've only thrown the party on while coming home from work.
Choosing a Style to Direct Your Preparations
That said, an overarching idea can be useful to hide that you've only put this thing on on the way home from work. And by theme, I mean for example the holidays. Getting slightly more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or fiesta-style party, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers and tequila drinks, along with plenty of snacks, tomato dip and guacamole, with festive music on the stereo) will focus your choices during the necessary shopping trip.
Strategic Shopping for The Gathering
In the store, select a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) plus a few appetizers that fit the theme, and get as many as you can afford, rather than worrying about giving people too much choice. No thing looks more welcoming and celebratory as plenty – I would always prefer to enter with a tub filled with iced containers of affordable crémant or cava than a small serving with swanky champagne. (Add several packs of cubes, as well; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Punch Streamlined
Should you show off and offer a mixed drink, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a container so that you aren't stuck busying yourself with drinks when you ought to be having fun. Once the party begins, request a close friend or helper to watch it and top up if required till it's finished. Apply the same for the soft drink; people appreciate to take on a job at a party so they may enjoy some of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whatever recipe you go for (you can find plenty on the internet), avoid anything too sweet – young ones present ought to have their own drinks – and if you own one, place flavor enhancers within reach (don't add them into the punch since they're inappropriate for people who avoid drinks altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel neglected; it only takes a short time to slice some slices of citrus for garnish.
Snacks That Shine Without Preparation
In my view, I recommend passing on the store-bought trays of "party foods" available in shops seasonally; they come across as fancy, and often require heating things up (if you must opt for these, be aware that all guests truly likes herb bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top several large containers of decent crisps (plain salted will offend no one), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets with nuts often sold in the South Asian section at the market, along with a few ready-to-eat olives for color (you don't want to find pits in your pot plants next Easter).
In case, like my mum, you feel snacks real food, one big slab of good cheese served simply with crackers plus beautifully placed grapes often appears artistic. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood displayed on it (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), or a handsome ready-made tart, of the type that appear at delis during festivities, proves more satisfying, while you truly will succeed by serving homestyle chunks of focaccia, because there's no need for additional preparation.
