An Expert's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Effortless Entertaining for Spontaneous Company
In the holiday season, while there's a lot going on which even lively individuals might sometimes look forward to the calm respite of the new year, it's all too easy to forget details. I expect I'm not the sole one who has once felt surprised back to reality at my desk by a message by a friend asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" Don't worry; if you are distracted, or just inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Parties
Firstly, and I cannot stress it enough, if you have organized for a year versus only 15 minutes, the best events are the most straightforward. All everyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, and enough nibbles that guests don't end up gnawing something during the ride home. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects professional bartending, fancy food or a live band.
The most successful parties tend to be the simplest. However, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you have just thrown the party on on the way back from the office.
Picking a Theme to Guide The Shopping
That said, a theme works well to hide that you have only thrown this thing together on the way home from work. By concept, I mean such as a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, along with lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and avocado dip, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow the selection on the upcoming shopping trip.
Smart Purchasing for The Party
At the shops, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case others prefer not to) and some nibbles that match the theme, then purchase a generous amount as possible, rather than fretting about providing endless options. No thing appears more welcoming and celebratory as a bounty – I would always prefer to enter by a container full of iced containers of competitively priced bubbly than a small serving with swanky champagne. (Include a few bags of ice, as well; there is never enough ice.)
Cocktails & Party Beverages Streamlined
If you feel the need to show off and serve a special beverage, then mix in advance a large batch in a container so that you aren't left faffing around with it while you ought to be having fun. Once underway, enlist a close friend or volunteer to watch the drinks and refill as necessary till it's gone. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to be given a role during gatherings allowing them to experience some of festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you pick (there are many on the internet), avoid anything overly sugary – any kids there need kid-friendly options – and if you own one, place flavor enhancers within reach (refrain from putting them to the bowl since they're not suitable for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Make an effort with presentation so the soft punch doesn't seem like an afterthought; it only takes a minute to add a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.
Food That Delight Without Effort
In my view, I'd skip the readymade trays of "party foods" that appear in shops during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and usually involve heating things up (should you opt for these, know that all guests truly favors garlic bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top two sizable dishes of good-quality crisps (simple is universally liked), and, provided there are no issues, some of those great-value packets of nuts available in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives for color (you don't want to discover stones in your pot plants months later).
If, as my mother says, you think snacks substantial fare, a single large piece of good cheese served simply alongside crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears artistic. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish laid out there (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), or an attractive ready-made pie, similar to that pop up on deli counters seasonally, is even more substantial, and you truly won't fail by serving artisanal slices of Italian bread, since there's no need for additional preparation.
