The Ultimate 60-Minute Party Strategy: Simple Hosting for Last-Minute Company
Throughout this holiday season, when there's plenty going on that the most lively people might sometimes look forward to the quiet respite in the new year, it's very easy to overlook things. I believe I'm not the only person who has ever felt startled back to reality while at work because of a message from a friend wondering, "What time should we come us tonight?" No worries; if you are forgetful, or simply prone to impromptu invitations, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Great Gatherings
Above all, and I can't stress it enough, whether you have been planning long in advance or only a quarter-hour, the greatest parties tend to be the easiest. All anyone is hoping for is a good chat, something to enjoy, and sufficient to eat that guests do not end up chewing something on the bus home. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates professional bartending, gourmet food or a live band.
The greatest parties are the easiest. That said, an idea is useful to cover up the reality you've just put the party on on the way back from the office.
Selecting a Theme to Direct Your Party Planning
That said, a theme can be useful to conceal the fact you've only thrown the party on on the way after work. By concept, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, spiced punch, fish snacks and flatbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, cold beers or margaritas, and heaps of tortilla chips, salsa & avocado dip, with upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus the selection on the necessary supermarket sweep.
Practical Shopping to Support The Gathering
In the store, choose a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) and a few snacks that match the theme, and buy as many as possible, instead of worrying about offering guests too much choice. Nothing looks more abundant and cheerful than a bounty – I would consistently prefer to arrive by a sink filled with iced containers of affordable crémant or cava than a single glass of expensive bubbly. (Add several packs for chilling, as well; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined
Should you show off and offer a special beverage, then prepare ahead a large batch in a jug so that you aren't stuck busying yourself with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once underway, request a significant other or helper to keep an eye on the drinks then refill if required till it's gone. Do the same for the non-alcoholic punch; people love to take on a role at a party allowing them to enjoy the festive spirit.
Regarding punch, whatever mix you go for (there are many on the internet), skip anything excessively sweet – children there should have kid-friendly options – and if it's available, put a bottle of bitters close by (don't add any to the bowl since they're not suitable for individuals abstaining from drinks entirely). Take care in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a minute to cut several pieces of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Nibbles That Delight With Minimal Preparation
For me, I would avoid the store-bought platters of "party foods" available in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem fancy, and usually require using the oven (if you must go this route, know that everyone quietly likes garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two sizable bowls of tasty chips (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no allergies, some of those great-value bags of mixed nuts available in the international aisle at the market, along with a few pitted olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover pits in odd places in the future).
If, as my mother says, you think chips proper food, one large piece of good cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus beautifully placed fruit often appears visually appealing. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood laid out there (a single variety, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome ready-made pastry, of the type that appear at delis seasonally, is even more substantial, and you really can't go wrong by serving rustic slices of flatbread, since they don't need additional preparation.
