Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Effortless Hosting for Unexpected Guests
In this holiday period, when there is so much happening which the most lively individuals may occasionally long for the quiet break in January, it is all too easy to overlook things. I believe I cannot be the only person who has once felt startled back to reality while at my desk by a text from a friend wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" Don't worry; if you are distracted, or simply prone to spontaneous gatherings, I've got you covered.
The Key to Great Gatherings
Above all, and I cannot emphasize it enough, if you have planned long in advance or only 15 minutes, the greatest parties tend to be the easiest. What everyone is hoping for is a good chat, something to enjoy, plus enough nibbles that guests don't feel like gnawing something on the bus back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred food and musical performances.
The most successful gatherings are the simplest. That said, a concept helps to cover up the fact you have only put the party together while coming after a long day.
Selecting a Style to Direct The Preparations
Still, an overarching idea can be useful for disguising that you have just put this thing on on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Going slightly focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks and crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, chilled brews and tequila drinks, along with heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip and guacamole, with festive music in the background) can narrow your options on the necessary shopping trip.
Smart Buying to Support The Gathering
In the store, pick a drink or two (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case some prefer not to) plus a couple of snacks that fit the theme, then get a generous amount as possible, rather than worrying about giving people endless options. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory than a bounty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed with a sink full of cold bottles of affordable crémant or cava than a single glass of swanky champagne. (Chuck in several packs for chilling, as well; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
Beverages and Punch Streamlined
If you feel the need to impress and serve a cocktail, then mix in advance a big quantity in a jug so that you're not left messing about with it while it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a close friend or helper to keep an eye on the drinks then top up if required till it's gone. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; people appreciate to be given a role during gatherings allowing them to share in some of positive vibes.
On the punch front, whatever recipe you go for (you can find plenty via search), steer clear of anything overly sugary – young ones there should have separate beverages – and should you own one, plonk aromatic bitters within reach (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are inappropriate for individuals abstaining from drinks altogether). Make an effort with how it looks so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived neglected; it only takes a minute to cut some slices of citrus into the bowl.
Food That Delight Without Preparation
In my view, I would avoid the readymade assortments with "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and often require turning the oven on (if you choose to do this, remember that all guests quietly likes herb bread or cocktail sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top a couple of really big bowls with decent snacks (simple pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of large and economical containers with nuts often sold with global foods at the market, with perhaps a few olives without stones for colour (try not to still be finding pits around the house months later).
If, as my mother says, you don't consider crisps real food, one large piece of quality cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some beautifully placed grapes tends to seem visually appealing. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared meats or fish displayed there (a single variety, except if money is no object), or a nice store-bought pastry, like those that pop up at delis during festivities, is more substantial, and you really can't go wrong by serving rustic chunks of focaccia, since there's no need for additional preparation.
