An Expert's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Spontaneous Company
During this holiday time, while there is a lot going on which even lively individuals might occasionally look forward to a quiet respite in January, it's all too easy to overlook details. I expect I cannot be the only person who's ever felt startled back to reality while at work by an inquiry by a friend asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" No worries; whether you're distracted, or simply likely to make impromptu invitations, I have some solutions.
The Key to Memorable Get-Togethers
Firstly, and I can't stress this sufficiently, whether you've organized for months or only 15 minutes, the best parties are the easiest. What anyone expects are a good chat, a drink to enjoy, and enough to eat that guests don't end up chewing something on the ride back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody expects professional bartending, gourmet food or musical performances.
The most successful parties tend to be the simplest. That said, a concept helps to mask the reality you have only put the party together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Guide Your Party Planning
Still, an overarching idea is helpful for disguising the fact you've only put the party together on the way from the office. And with a theme, I mean such as the holidays. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, chilled brews or tequila drinks, and heaps of tortilla chips, salsa and guacamole, with upbeat tunes playing) can narrow your options on the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Shopping to Support The Gathering
While shopping, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not for others prefer not to) plus a couple of appetizers suited to your concept, then purchase as many as you can afford, instead of fretting about offering guests a wide selection. No thing appears more abundant and cheerful than a bounty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed by a sink filled with iced containers of affordable sparkling wine than a single glass of fancy bubbly. (Add some bags of ice, too; you'll find never plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Party Beverages Made Easy
Should you show off and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a container so you aren't stuck messing about with it when you should be socializing. After starting, enlist a close friend or helper to monitor the drinks and replenish if required till it's gone. Follow suit with the soft drink; guests appreciate to have a role at a party so they can share in some of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whatever recipe you choose (there are many via search), skip anything too sweet – any kids present ought to have their own drinks – and if it's available, put a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add them in the mix as they are not suitable for people who avoid drinks entirely). Take care with presentation so the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a minute to cut some slices of fruit to the punch.
Food That Shine Without Preparation
For me, I recommend passing on the store-bought platters with "party foods" that appear in supermarkets seasonally; they seem fancy, and often require turning the oven on (if you choose to opt for these, be aware that all guests secretly favors herb bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced it's hard to top two really big dishes with tasty snacks (salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no issues, a package of big and excellent value containers of mixed nuts available in the South Asian section in stores, with perhaps a few olives without stones for colour (you don't want to still be finding stones in odd places next Easter).
In case, like my mum, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, a single large piece of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads plus beautifully placed fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A platter with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood laid out there (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome ready-made pie, similar to available on deli counters seasonally, proves more satisfying, and you truly won't fail by serving rustic pieces of focaccia, since there's no need for additional preparation.
