The Ultimate Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Effortless Hosting for Spontaneous Company
In this festive period, when there's a lot happening that the most energetic people might occasionally long for the calm respite in the new year, it's very simple to forget details. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has once been jolted back to reality at my desk by a text from a friend wondering, "What time should we come us tonight?" Don't worry; if you are distracted, or simply inclined toward last-minute gatherings, I've got your back.
The Secret to Successful Gatherings
Firstly, and I cannot stress this enough, whether you have been planning long in advance or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the most straightforward. What anyone expects are engaging talks, something to drink, and enough to eat so they don't feel like chewing their arm on the bus back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred food or a live band.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the easiest. However, a concept helps to disguise the reality you have only thrown this thing together while coming home from work.
Selecting a Concept to Guide Your Preparations
That said, an overarching idea works well to hide that you've just thrown this thing together on the way after work. And with a theme, think of such as a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with mulled wine, spiced punch, cured seafood and crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, chilled brews or cocktails, and plenty of corn chips, salsa & guacamole, with upbeat tunes playing) can narrow your options during the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Practical Shopping to Support The Party
At the shops, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case others prefer not to) plus some appetizers that fit the theme, then buy as many as possible, rather than worrying about giving people endless options. Nothing looks as generous and celebratory as abundance – I would always rather to enter with a container filled with iced containers of competitively priced crémant or cava than one glass of swanky bubbly. (Chuck in some bags of cubes, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Punch Simplified
If you feel the need to show off and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a large batch in a pitcher so that you aren't left messing about with drinks when you should be enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a significant other or friend to keep an eye on it then refill when needed until it's gone. Do the same with the alcohol-free option; people enjoy to take on a task at a party allowing them to enjoy a share of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whichever formula you pick (they abound on the internet), steer clear of anything overly sugary – any kids there ought to have separate beverages – and if you own one, put flavor enhancers within reach (don't add any into the punch since they are inappropriate for people abstaining from alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived unimportant; it only takes a short time to add some slices of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Delight Without Effort
For me, I recommend passing on the store-bought assortments with "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores during the holidays; they seem fancy, and often involve turning the oven on (if you must opt for these, remember that all guests secretly favors garlic bread and/or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two large dishes with decent chips (salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those big and excellent value containers of mixed nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, along with a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to still be finding pits around the house months later).
If, like my mum, you feel chips proper food, one big slab of good cheese on a platter alongside crackers and some elegantly arranged grapes often appears painterly. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish arranged on it (a single variety, unless money is no object), or a nice ready-made tart, similar to that appear on deli counters at this time of year, is even more satisfying, and you truly won't fail with rustic pieces of Italian bread, because they don't need spreading butter.
