The Ultimate 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Guests
During the festive season, while there's plenty going on that even vivacious individuals may occasionally long for the calm break in the new year, it is all too easy to forget details. I believe I'm not the sole person who has once felt jolted awake at work because of a message by a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" No worries; if you're forgetful, and simply likely to make impromptu plans, I have some solutions.
The Key to Memorable Get-Togethers
First and foremost, and I can't emphasize this enough, whether you've been planning for a year versus only a short while, the best parties tend to be the most straightforward. All everyone really wants are pleasant conversation, something to sip, plus sufficient nibbles so guests don't feel like chewing something during the ride back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates professional bartending, gourmet catering and a live band.
The most successful parties tend to be the simplest. However, an idea helps to disguise the reality you have only thrown this thing together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Theme to Direct The Party Planning
Still, an overarching idea is helpful for disguising that you have only put the party on while returning after work. And with a theme, I mean such as a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, spiced punch, fish snacks plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, cold beers or margaritas, and lots of snacks, tomato dip and green spread, with upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus the selection on the inevitable supermarket sweep.
Smart Buying to Support The Event
At the shops, select one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, one not in case others avoid alcohol) and a couple of snacks that fit your concept, and get a generous amount within your budget, instead of stressing over giving people a wide selection. Nothing looks more abundant and as festive than plenty – I'd consistently rather to be welcomed with a sink stocked with iced containers of reasonably priced bubbly over one glass with expensive bubbly. (Add several packs for chilling, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Punch Made Easy
If you must show off and offer a cocktail, then pre-mix a large batch in a jug so that you're not left faffing around with it when you should be enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a close friend or friend to keep an eye on it then refill when needed till it runs out. Do the same with the soft drink; people love to take on a job at a party so they may experience some of goodwill.
Regarding punch, whatever recipe you choose (you can find plenty via search), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and if you own one, put a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add them to the bowl as they're not suitable for individuals abstaining from drinks entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so that the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; it only takes a minute to add several pieces of lemon or orange to the punch.
Snacks That Work With Minimal Fuss
In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade assortments with "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they feel overly complicated, and often involve heating things up (if you must do this, be aware that everyone truly favors herb bread or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats several really big containers with decent chips (salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those great-value packets of mixed nuts often sold in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives for color (try not to still be finding pits in odd places in the future).
In case, as my mother says, you feel chips real food, one large piece of good cheese served simply and crispbreads plus artfully draped fruit often appears visually appealing. A platter with some cured or cooked meats or fish arranged there (only one type, unless you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive store-bought tart, of the type that appear at delis seasonally, is more filling, and you really won't fail with rustic pieces of Italian bread, because they don't need additional preparation.
