Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Effortless Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors
Throughout this festive time, while there is so much going on that even vivacious people might occasionally anticipate the quiet respite in January, it's all too simple to overlook things. I expect I cannot be the only one who's ever felt startled back to reality while at my desk because of an inquiry from someone asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" No worries; whether you're distracted, and just likely to make last-minute plans, I have some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Gatherings
First and foremost, though I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, if you've planned long in advance versus just a quarter-hour, the greatest parties are the most straightforward. All anyone expects are engaging talks, something to drink, and enough nibbles so guests don't end up chewing their arm during the bus back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred catering or musical performances.
The greatest gatherings are the easiest. Still, an idea helps to cover up the reality you've only thrown the event on on the way back from the office.
Choosing a Style to Focus Your Party Planning
That said, an overarching idea is helpful for disguising the fact you've only put this thing on while returning from the office. And by theme, think of for example Christmas. Going slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks and crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; or fiesta-style party, with holiday punch, cold beers and margaritas, and plenty of snacks, salsa and guacamole, and Luis Miguel in the background) helps direct your choices on the necessary grocery run.
Smart Shopping for Your Event
At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) plus some snacks suited to your concept, and purchase a generous amount as you can afford, instead of worrying about providing endless options. No thing appears more abundant and as festive than abundance – I'd always prefer to arrive with a sink filled with cold bottles with competitively priced crémant or cava over a small serving with swanky bubbly. (Add some bags for chilling, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Drinks and Party Beverages Made Easy
Should you show off and serve a cocktail, make sure to prepare ahead a large batch in a jug so that you aren't stuck messing about with preparation while it's time to enjoying yourself. After starting, request a significant other or helper to keep an eye on the drinks then replenish if required till it's gone. Apply the same for the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to be given a job at a party so they can enjoy some of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever recipe you pick (you can find plenty via search), avoid anything too sweet – young ones there should have kid-friendly options – and should you have one, place aromatic bitters close by (refrain from putting any to the bowl since they are unsafe for people abstaining from drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a moment to add some slices of citrus for garnish.
Food That Shine With Minimal Preparation
Personally, I'd skip the readymade assortments with "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they feel fancy, and frequently involve using the oven (should you opt for these, know that all guests secretly likes garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats several sizable dishes of decent chips (simple pleases everyone), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical containers of nuts available with global foods at the market, with perhaps a few pitted olives as a garnish (try not to still be finding stones around the house months later).
In case, similar to some, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a platter and crispbreads plus beautifully placed grapes often appears visually appealing. A platter featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed on it (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), or an attractive store-bought pastry, of the type that pop up on deli counters at this time of year, is even more satisfying, while you really will succeed by serving rustic slices of Italian bread, since they don't need buttering.
