An Expert's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Spontaneous Guests
During this holiday time, when there is so much happening that even energetic people may sometimes anticipate the calm break of January, it is all too simple to neglect details. I believe I cannot be the only one who has ever been jolted awake while at work because of an inquiry from a friend wondering, "What time do you want us later?" Fear not; whether you're forgetful, and simply prone to spontaneous plans, I've got some solutions.
The Golden Rule to Great Parties
Above all, though I cannot stress this enough, if you have organized for a year or only 15 minutes, the best events tend to be the simplest. What anyone expects are engaging talks, something to drink, plus enough to eat that they do not end up gnawing an arm off during the ride home. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates a full bar, fancy catering or a live band.
The best gatherings tend to be the simplest. Still, an idea helps to mask the reality you've only put the event together on the way back from the office.
Picking a Concept to Direct Your Preparations
That said, an overarching idea can be useful to hide the fact you have only put this thing on while returning home from work. And with a theme, think of such as Christmas. Getting slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood plus crispbreads, Nordic beats selection; or fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, chilled brews or margaritas, along with lots of snacks, spicy sauce and avocado dip, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) helps direct your choices on the necessary grocery run.
Practical Purchasing to Support Your Event
At the shops, pick a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) and a few appetizers that fit your concept, and buy as many within your budget, instead of fretting about providing endless options. No thing looks more abundant and as festive than abundance – I'd always rather to be welcomed with a container full of cold bottles with affordable bubbly than a single glass with expensive champagne. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, as well; you'll find seldom enough ice.)
Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and serve a special beverage, then pre-mix a big quantity in a jug so that you aren't left faffing around with drinks while it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or friend to keep an eye on the drinks and top up as necessary till it runs out. Do the same with the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to have a task at a party allowing them to enjoy some of festive spirit.
On the punch front, whichever mix you pick (they abound via search), skip anything too sweet – any kids there need separate beverages – and if you own one, put a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding any in the mix since they're inappropriate for individuals abstaining from alcohol altogether). Take care with how it looks so that the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a short time to slice some slices of fruit for garnish.
Food That Shine With Minimal Fuss
Personally, I recommend passing on the pre-made assortments of "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and frequently require using the oven (should you go this route, know that all guests truly likes toasted bread or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced it's hard to top several sizable dishes with good-quality snacks (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, some of those big and excellent value containers of nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, and maybe some pitted olives for colour (it's best to avoid to discover stones around the house next Easter).
In case, as my mother says, you think snacks real food, a single sizeable chunk of good cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes often appears painterly. A plate with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a nice pre-made pastry, similar to that appear in specialty sections seasonally, is even more filling, and you really can't go wrong with artisanal chunks of focaccia, since they require no additional preparation.
