The Ultimate 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Simple Entertaining for Unexpected Company
Throughout this festive season, when there is a lot going on that even lively people may occasionally look forward to a quiet respite of January, it's all too simple to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the sole person who's ever felt startled back to reality while at work because of a message by a friend asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" No worries; whether you are absent minded, and just likely to make last-minute plans, I've got some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Memorable Parties
First and foremost, though I can't emphasize it enough, if you've organized for a year versus only 15 minutes, the best events are the most straightforward. What everyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, plus sufficient food so guests do not end up gnawing their arm on the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects a full bar, Michelin-starred catering and a live band.
The greatest gatherings are the easiest. That said, a theme helps to mask the reality you've only put this thing on on the way back from the office.
Picking a Concept to Guide The Preparations
That said, an overarching idea is helpful to hide the fact you have just thrown this thing on on the way from the office. And with a theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more specific (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and rye crackers, Scandinavian music playlist; or fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, chilled brews or margaritas, and lots of snacks, spicy sauce & green spread, with upbeat tunes on the stereo) can narrow the selection during the necessary supermarket sweep.
Practical Buying to Support The Event
While shopping, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic for those who do, one not in case some prefer not to) and some nibbles that match your concept, and purchase as much of them as you can afford, instead of worrying about providing a wide selection. No thing looks more abundant and celebratory as plenty – I'd consistently prefer to be welcomed with a sink full of chilled bottles of competitively priced bubbly than one glass of expensive champagne. (Add some bags of cubes, too; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)
Beverages and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you feel the need to impress and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a large batch in a jug so that you're not stuck faffing around with it while you should be enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a significant other or helper to watch it and top up as necessary till it's gone. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to have a role at a party allowing them to experience a share of festive spirit.
For large-batch drinks, whatever formula you go for (there are many online), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and should it's available, place aromatic bitters within reach (don't add them in the mix as they are inappropriate for individuals abstaining from alcohol altogether). Put in some work with how it looks so the soft punch doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a minute to slice several pieces of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Delight With Minimal Preparation
For me, I recommend passing on the readymade assortments of "party foods" that pop up in shops at this time of year; they come across as fancy, and usually require heating things up (if you must opt for these, know that all guests secretly prefers garlic bread and/or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion nothing beats several sizable dishes with decent crisps (salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no issues, some of those great-value bags of nuts typically found in the international aisle of supermarkets, along with a few pitted olives for colour (you don't want to still be finding pits in your pot plants next Easter).
If, similar to some, you think crisps proper food, one large piece of good cheese served simply with crackers and some beautifully placed fruit often appears visually appealing. A serving dish with some cured or cooked salami or salmon laid out on it (only one type, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a nice ready-made pastry, similar to that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is even more satisfying, while you truly will succeed with rustic pieces of flatbread, since they don't need additional preparation.
