Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors
Throughout this busy period, while there's plenty going on which even vivacious individuals may sometimes long for a quiet break in January, it is very easy to neglect details. I believe I cannot be the only one who's ever felt jolted awake while at my desk by an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" Don't worry; whether you are forgetful, and just likely to make last-minute plans, I've got your back.
The Secret to Memorable Gatherings
First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you've been planning long in advance or only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the easiest. What anyone really wants are a good chat, a drink to enjoy, and enough food that they do not end up chewing an arm off during the bus back. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, nobody expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred food or entertainers.
The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. However, a concept is useful to cover up the fact you have just put this thing together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Concept to Direct The Preparations
That said, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal that you've just thrown this thing together while returning home from work. And with a theme, I mean something like the holidays. Getting a bit focused (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with mulled wine, spiced punch, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, refreshing lagers and cocktails, along with heaps of corn chips, salsa and avocado dip, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) will focus your options during the necessary grocery run.
Smart Shopping to Support Your Gathering
In the store, choose a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one for some prefer not to) plus a few snacks suited to your concept, then buy as much of them as possible, rather than worrying about offering guests a wide selection. No thing looks more abundant and celebratory as abundance – I'd always rather to arrive by a sink stocked with cold bottles of competitively priced sparkling wine than one glass with swanky champagne. (Add some bags of cubes, as well; you'll find never sufficient ice.)
Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
If you must demonstrate skills and serve a mixed drink, make sure to mix in advance a big quantity in a jug so that you're not left busying yourself with it while it's time to enjoying yourself. After starting, request a close friend or volunteer to watch it and refill when needed till it runs out. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests love to have a job at a party so they may share in a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whichever mix you choose (they abound via search), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – any kids there ought to have kid-friendly options – and if it's available, put aromatic bitters within reach (avoid adding them to the bowl since they are inappropriate for individuals who avoid drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; it only takes a minute to add some slices of fruit into the bowl.
Nibbles That Shine Without Effort
In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade trays with "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as fussy, and usually require turning the oven on (should you go this route, be aware that all guests truly favors garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat several really big containers of decent chips (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, some of those big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, along with some pitted olives as a garnish (try not to still be finding stones in your pot plants months later).
If, like my mum, you don't consider crisps proper food, one big slab of tasty cheese on a platter with crackers and some artfully draped grapes always looks artistic. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (only one type, unless money is no object), alternatively an attractive pre-made pastry, of the type available in specialty sections seasonally, is more satisfying, while you really won't fail with rustic pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for additional preparation.
