An Expert's One-Hour Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Unexpected Company
Throughout this busy period, when there is plenty happening that even energetic people may occasionally long for a calm break of the new year, it's very simple to forget details. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has ever felt startled back to reality at work by a text from a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" Don't worry; if you're absent minded, and just likely to make spontaneous plans, I have you covered.
The Key to Memorable Gatherings
Firstly, though I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have planned for months versus just a quarter-hour, the greatest parties are the most straightforward. What anyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, plus enough to eat so guests don't feel like gnawing something on the bus home. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates professional bartending, gourmet catering and a live band.
The greatest gatherings tend to be the simplest. That said, a theme helps to disguise the fact you have only thrown the party together on the way after a long day.
Choosing a Concept to Guide Your Preparations
Still, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you've just put the party together on the way from the office. By concept, I mean something like the holidays. Going slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood and crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, cold beers or cocktails, along with plenty of tortilla chips, tomato dip & guacamole, and festive music in the background) will focus the selection during the inevitable shopping trip.
Smart Buying to Support The Gathering
In the store, pick a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, one not for some avoid alcohol) and a few nibbles that match your concept, and get as many as you can afford, instead of stressing over providing a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and cheerful than abundance – I would always rather to be welcomed with a container filled with iced containers with reasonably priced crémant or cava than a small serving with expensive bubbly. (Chuck in some bags of ice, too; you'll find never plenty of ice.)
Cocktails & Punch Simplified
If you must show off and provide a special beverage, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you're not left faffing around with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once underway, request a significant other or helper to keep an eye on it then refill when needed until it runs out. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests appreciate to have a task during gatherings so they can share in some of goodwill.
For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you go for (they abound via search), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids present need their own drinks – and should it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding any to the bowl since they're not suitable for individuals abstaining from alcohol altogether). Make an effort with presentation so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a moment to add several pieces of lemon or orange for garnish.
Snacks That Work Without Effort
In my view, I recommend passing on the store-bought assortments of "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and frequently require heating things up (should you opt for these, remember that everyone secretly prefers herb bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top two large bowls of decent snacks (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, one of those large and economical bags of mixed nuts available in the South Asian section in stores, along with some ready-to-eat olives for color (try not to still be finding stones in odd places next Easter).
In case, similar to some, you don't consider crisps substantial fare, a single big slab of good cheese on a board and crispbreads plus artfully draped grapes always looks artistic. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish arranged on it (just one sort, except if you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome ready-made pie, of the type available in specialty sections during festivities, proves more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong with artisanal chunks of Italian bread, since there's no need for additional preparation.
