An Expert's Quick-Fire Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
During the holiday period, while there's a lot going on which even vivacious people may occasionally long for the quiet break of January, it's very simple to overlook things. I expect I'm not the sole person who has ever been jolted back to reality while at my desk because of a text from a friend wondering, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; if you're absent minded, or simply prone to spontaneous invitations, I have you covered.
The Secret to Successful Gatherings
First and foremost, and I can't stress this enough, if you have planned for months or only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties are the most straightforward. All everyone expects is engaging talks, a drink to sip, and enough to eat so guests don't end up chewing their arm on the bus home. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates a full bar, gourmet catering or entertainers.
The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. However, a theme is useful to mask the fact you have just thrown this thing together on the way back from the office.
Picking a Concept to Guide Your Preparations
That said, a theme can be useful to hide the fact you've only put the party together on the way after work. And with a theme, think of for example Christmas. Going slightly more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring mulled wine, spiced punch, fish snacks and crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, cold beers or cocktails, along with plenty of snacks, tomato dip & avocado dip, and upbeat tunes in the background) helps direct your choices on the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Buying to Support The Gathering
In the store, pick a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for some prefer not to) and a couple of nibbles suited to the theme, then buy as many within your budget, instead of stressing over giving people too much choice. Nothing looks as generous and cheerful than abundance – I would always rather to arrive with a tub filled with chilled bottles of competitively priced bubbly over a single glass with fancy champagne. (Add some bags of ice, too; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
If you feel the need to show off and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a jug so that you aren't left messing about with drinks when it's time to having fun. After starting, ask a close friend or friend to watch it then top up as necessary until it's finished. Do the same for the soft drink; guests appreciate to be given a task at a party allowing them to experience the festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whatever mix you pick (there are many online), steer clear of anything overly sugary – children present ought to have separate beverages – and if it's available, put aromatic bitters within reach (avoid adding any into the punch as they're unsafe for people who avoid alcohol entirely). Take care with presentation so the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a minute to slice some slices of citrus to the punch.
Food That Delight Without Fuss
In my view, I would avoid the pre-made platters of "party foods" available in shops seasonally; they feel fussy, and often involve using the oven (should you opt for these, be aware that all guests quietly prefers toasted bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two really big bowls with tasty chips (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no allergies, one of those great-value packets with nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps some pitted olives for color (you don't want to still be finding pits in your pot plants next Easter).
In case, as my mother says, you think chips substantial fare, a single big slab of good cheese on a platter with crackers and some beautifully placed grapes often appears visually appealing. A plate with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon displayed on it (only one type, unless money is no object), alternatively an attractive pre-made pie, like those available at delis seasonally, is even more filling, and you really will succeed by serving artisanal pieces of flatbread, because they require no spreading butter.
