An Expert's 60-Minute Party Plan: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Company
Throughout this holiday time, while there is so much happening which even vivacious individuals may sometimes look forward to the calm respite in January, it's very easy to neglect details. I expect I cannot be the only person who has once felt startled back to reality while at my desk because of a message from a friend wondering, "What time should we come us later?" No worries; if you're absent minded, or simply likely to make last-minute plans, I've got you covered.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Get-Togethers
First and foremost, though I can't stress it enough, whether you have planned for months or just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties are the easiest. What anyone expects are pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, and enough to eat that guests do not feel like chewing their arm on the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates a full bar, gourmet food and a live band.
The most successful parties tend to be the most basic. That said, a theme helps to disguise the fact you've only put this thing together on the way after a long day.
Picking a Theme to Focus The Preparations
Nevertheless, a theme works well to conceal that you've only thrown the party on while returning home from work. By concept, think of such as the holidays. Getting slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, chilled brews and tequila drinks, and heaps of corn chips, tomato dip and green spread, and upbeat tunes playing) helps direct your choices during the inevitable grocery run.
Strategic Purchasing to Support Your Event
At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one for others prefer not to) plus a few snacks that match the style, and get as many as possible, rather than stressing over providing too much choice. Nothing appears more welcoming and cheerful as abundance – I'd consistently prefer to arrive by a tub full of chilled bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine than a small serving with expensive champagne. (Include several packs of ice, too; you'll find never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Simplified
Should you demonstrate skills and serve a special beverage, then pre-mix a large batch in a container so you're not stuck messing about with preparation when you should be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, request a close friend or helper to monitor the drinks then top up when needed until it's gone. Apply the same with the soft drink; guests love to have a task at a party so they may enjoy a share of festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever mix you pick (there are many on the internet), steer clear of anything excessively sweet – children present should have their own drinks – and if it's available, put a bottle of bitters close by (don't add any in the mix as they're not suitable for those abstaining from alcohol altogether). Make an effort with presentation so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem like an afterthought; just spend a short time to slice some slices of citrus into the bowl.
Snacks That Shine With Minimal Preparation
For me, I'd skip the store-bought platters with "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and often involve turning the oven on (should you go this route, know that everyone truly prefers garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats several large bowls with good-quality chips (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical bags of mixed nuts typically found in the international aisle at the market, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives for color (it's best to avoid to find stones around the house in the future).
If, as my mother says, you think crisps proper food, a single big slab of good cheese on a board and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged grapes tends to seem artistic. A plate featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed on it (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a nice store-bought pie, of the type that pop up in specialty sections at this time of year, is even more satisfying, while you truly will succeed by serving homestyle slices of Italian bread, since they require no spreading butter.
