Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Guests
Throughout the festive time, while there is plenty happening which the most lively individuals might sometimes anticipate a calm respite of the new year, it is all too easy to neglect details. I believe I'm not the sole person who's once been jolted awake at my desk because of a message by a friend asking, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; if you are forgetful, and just inclined toward last-minute plans, I have some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Get-Togethers
First and foremost, though I can't emphasize it sufficiently, whether you've organized for months or just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. All everyone is hoping for is engaging talks, something to drink, and enough nibbles that guests do not end up chewing their arm on the bus home. If you're not you are Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred food and musical performances.
The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. However, a theme helps to disguise the reality you've just thrown this thing on while coming after a long day.
Choosing a Concept to Focus Your Preparations
Still, a theme works well to hide that you have just thrown this thing together on the way home from work. And by theme, I mean such as the holidays. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with mulled wine, spiced punch, cured seafood plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, refreshing lagers and cocktails, along with lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce & avocado dip, and festive music in the background) helps direct your options on the necessary shopping trip.
Practical Purchasing to Support The Gathering
At the shops, pick a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, one not for others prefer not to) plus some nibbles that fit your concept, then get as many as you can afford, instead of worrying about providing too much choice. Nothing looks more welcoming and as festive than abundance – I'd always rather to be welcomed by a container filled with iced containers with affordable crémant or cava than a small serving of fancy champagne. (Include several packs of cubes, as well; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)
Drinks and Punch Made Easy
Should you show off and provide a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a jug so that you're not stuck busying yourself with drinks when it's time to socializing. Once underway, ask a close friend or friend to watch it then top up when needed until it's gone. Apply the same for the non-alcoholic punch; people love to take on a job while socializing so they can experience a share of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whichever formula you choose (you can find plenty online), skip any recipe too sweet – young ones there should have their own drinks – and should you own one, plonk aromatic bitters close by (refrain from putting any into the punch as they are not suitable for people who avoid alcohol altogether). Take care with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a short time to slice some slices of citrus for garnish.
Snacks That Delight With Minimal Preparation
Personally, I'd skip the store-bought assortments with "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they seem fancy, and frequently involve heating things up (if you must opt for these, be aware that all guests secretly likes garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat two sizable bowls with good-quality crisps (plain salted is universally liked), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical packets of mixed nuts available with global foods at the market, and maybe a few olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to discover stones around the house next Easter).
If, like my mum, you feel snacks proper food, a single big slab of tasty cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus beautifully placed fruit often appears visually appealing. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (only one type, unless money is no object), or a handsome pre-made tart, of the type that pop up at delis at this time of year, is even more substantial, and you truly won't fail with homestyle chunks of flatbread, because they don't need spreading butter.
