Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Stress-Free Entertaining for Unexpected Company
During this festive period, when there's a lot happening that the most energetic individuals may occasionally look forward to a calm respite of the new year, it's all too simple to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the only one who has once felt jolted back to reality at my desk because of a message by a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" Fear not; whether you're absent minded, and just likely to make last-minute gatherings, I have you covered.
The Key to Memorable Gatherings
First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, if you have been planning for months or only 15 minutes, the best events tend to be the most straightforward. All anyone really wants is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, and sufficient food that guests do not feel like chewing their arm on the ride back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet catering or a live band.
The most successful gatherings are the simplest. Still, a concept helps to cover up the fact you've only put this thing together on the way after a long day.
Choosing a Concept to Direct Your Preparations
Still, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you have just thrown this thing on while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean such as Christmas. Getting a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; or fiesta-style party, with traditional drink, chilled brews and cocktails, along with lots of tortilla chips, tomato dip and green spread, and Luis Miguel in the background) helps direct the selection during the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Buying to Support Your Party
In the store, choose a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for some don't want to) plus a few nibbles suited to your concept, and get a generous amount as you can afford, instead of stressing over giving people too much choice. Nothing looks more abundant and as festive as abundance – I would consistently rather to arrive by a tub stocked with iced containers of reasonably priced sparkling wine than a small serving with expensive champagne. (Add a few bags of ice, as well; there is seldom sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified
If you feel the need to show off and provide a cocktail, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a container so that you're not left busying yourself with drinks while you should be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, request a close friend or volunteer to watch it then replenish when needed until it's finished. Apply the same for the soft drink; guests enjoy to take on a job while socializing so they can share in a share of goodwill.
For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you pick (you can find plenty online), skip any recipe excessively sweet – children there should have kid-friendly options – and should you own one, put aromatic bitters nearby (refrain from putting any to the bowl since they're unsafe for those who avoid drinks entirely). Take care with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel neglected; it only takes a minute to add a few rounds of citrus into the bowl.
Nibbles That Work With Minimal Preparation
For me, I recommend passing on the store-bought trays of "party foods" available at grocery stores at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and usually require turning the oven on (should you go this route, be aware that everyone truly prefers toasted bread or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several really big dishes of tasty chips (plain salted is universally liked), and, assuming no allergies, one of those great-value containers of mixed nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, with perhaps a few olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to discover pits around the house months later).
If, like my mum, you think chips substantial fare, one large piece of tasty cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged fruit often appears painterly. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish laid out there (just one sort, unless money is no object), or a nice store-bought tart, of the type available at delis during festivities, proves more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong by serving rustic slices of focaccia, since there's no need for buttering.
