Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Simple Entertaining for Spontaneous Company
Throughout this busy time, when there is a lot going on which the most vivacious individuals may sometimes long for a calm respite of the new year, it's all too easy to overlook things. I'm sure I cannot be the only person who has ever been surprised back to reality while at my desk because of a text from a friend asking, "What time do you want us tonight?" Fear not; whether you are absent minded, and simply inclined toward impromptu invitations, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Successful Get-Togethers
Above all, and I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, if you have planned for a year or only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the simplest. All everyone really wants are a good chat, a drink to enjoy, and enough nibbles that they do not end up chewing an arm off on the ride back. If you're not you are Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, gourmet food and a live band.
The greatest parties are the most basic. That said, a theme is useful to disguise the reality you've just thrown this thing on on the way after a long day.
Selecting a Style to Focus Your Shopping
Still, a theme works well to hide that you've just thrown the party together on the way from the office. By concept, think of something like Christmas. Getting slightly focused (Nordic holidays, for instance, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish and crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or Latin American celebration, with ponche navideño, chilled brews and margaritas, along with heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip and avocado dip, with Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your choices during the necessary shopping trip.
Strategic Shopping to Support Your Event
While shopping, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for some avoid alcohol) and some snacks that match the style, then purchase as many as you can afford, instead of worrying about offering guests a wide selection. No thing appears more abundant and as festive as abundance – I would consistently prefer to arrive with a tub stocked with chilled bottles of competitively priced crémant or cava over one glass of swanky champagne. (Add some bags of cubes, as well; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you feel the need to show off and offer a cocktail, then mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so you aren't left messing about with preparation when you ought to be socializing. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or friend to monitor the drinks and replenish if required until it's gone. Do the same for the soft drink; guests love to take on a job at a party allowing them to experience a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whatever mix you go for (they abound online), avoid anything excessively sweet – children there need their own drinks – and should it's available, put flavor enhancers nearby (don't add them into the punch since they're not suitable for people abstaining from drinks altogether). Take care in presenting it so the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Food That Work Without Fuss
Personally, I would avoid the pre-made assortments of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets at this time of year; they come across as fancy, and often involve using the oven (should you go this route, remember that all guests secretly prefers garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat several sizable containers of decent chips (simple will offend no one), plus, provided there are no allergies, some of those big and excellent value containers with nuts often sold in the international aisle in stores, along with a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover pits around the house in the future).
If, similar to some, you don't consider snacks real food, one large piece of tasty cheese on a board alongside crackers plus artfully draped grapes often appears visually appealing. A platter featuring salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood laid out there (just one sort, except if money is no object), alternatively a handsome pre-made pie, similar to that pop up at delis during festivities, is more filling, while you really won't fail with artisanal chunks of flatbread, since they require no additional preparation.
