An Expert's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Hosting for Last-Minute Guests
In this festive time, when there is so much going on which even vivacious people may occasionally long for the calm respite in January, it's very simple to forget details. I expect I'm not the only person who has ever been surprised awake at my desk because of a text from someone asking, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Don't worry; whether you are forgetful, or simply prone to impromptu invitations, I've got you covered.
The Secret to Great Gatherings
Above all, though I cannot stress it enough, whether you have planned long in advance versus only a quarter-hour, the best parties tend to be the simplest. What everyone expects are engaging talks, a drink to drink, and sufficient food that guests don't feel like chewing something on the bus home. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, gourmet catering or a live band.
The best parties are the most basic. That said, a theme is useful to disguise the fact you have just thrown this thing on while coming back from the office.
Choosing a Theme to Focus The Preparations
Still, an overarching idea is helpful to hide the fact you have only put this thing on on the way home from work. And by theme, think of something like the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, say, with mulled wine, warm beverage, smoked fish and crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, chilled brews and tequila drinks, along with lots of corn chips, spicy sauce & guacamole, and festive music in the background) can narrow your options during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Shopping for The Event
While shopping, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case some prefer not to) plus some snacks that fit the style, then get as much of them as you can afford, rather than stressing over providing a wide selection. Nothing appears more welcoming and as festive than plenty – I would consistently rather to enter by a tub stocked with iced containers of reasonably priced bubbly over a small serving with swanky bubbly. (Chuck in a few bags of ice, too; there is never sufficient ice.)
Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
If you feel the need to impress and provide a cocktail, then prepare ahead a large batch in a jug so you're not stuck busying yourself with it when it's time to socializing. Once the party begins, request a significant other or volunteer to watch the drinks and top up as necessary till it runs out. Follow suit with the non-alcoholic punch; people love to be given a role at a party so they can experience a share of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever recipe you choose (they abound online), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – children there ought to have separate beverages – and should you own one, place aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting them in the mix as they are inappropriate for people who do not consume alcohol entirely). Put in some work with presentation so that the soft punch doesn't feel neglected; it only takes a moment to slice some slices of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Work Without Fuss
For me, I'd skip the store-bought trays with "party foods" that pop up in shops during the holidays; they seem fancy, and usually require turning the oven on (if you must opt for these, know that all guests truly prefers herb bread or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced nothing beats two really big dishes with decent crisps (plain salted will offend no one), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts often sold with global foods of supermarkets, and maybe a few pitted olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover pits around the house next Easter).
If, similar to some, you don't consider chips substantial fare, a single large piece of tasty cheese served simply and crispbreads plus beautifully placed fruit always looks painterly. A platter featuring cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood displayed on it (a single variety, unless money is no object), alternatively a nice store-bought pastry, like those that appear on deli counters at this time of year, proves more substantial, while you really can't go wrong with artisanal slices of flatbread, because they require no spreading butter.
