An Expert's Quick-Fire Party Strategy: Simple Entertaining for Spontaneous Company
During the holiday period, when there is so much happening which even vivacious individuals may occasionally long for the calm respite of January, it's very simple to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has once felt surprised back to reality while at work because of a message from a friend wondering, "What time do you want over tonight?" No worries; whether you are distracted, and just inclined toward impromptu invitations, I have some solutions.
The Secret to Great Get-Togethers
Firstly, and I cannot stress this enough, whether you've been planning for months versus only a short while, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the easiest. All everyone expects are engaging talks, a drink to enjoy, plus enough to eat so they don't end up chewing something during the ride home. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates a full bar, fancy food and entertainers.
The best gatherings are the most basic. That said, a concept is useful to disguise the fact you have just thrown this thing on on the way home from work.
Selecting a Theme to Focus The Preparations
Still, an overarching idea works well to conceal the fact you have only thrown this thing on on the way home from work. And by theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood and crispbreads, Nordic beats playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, cold beers and tequila drinks, along with heaps of tortilla chips, spicy sauce & green spread, with upbeat tunes in the background) can narrow the selection on the upcoming shopping trip.
Strategic Buying to Support Your Gathering
In the store, pick a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case some don't want to) plus a few nibbles that match your concept, then get as many within your budget, rather than stressing over giving people too much choice. Nothing appears more welcoming and as festive as abundance – I would always prefer to arrive by a container filled with chilled bottles of reasonably priced sparkling wine over one glass with swanky bubbly. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)
Cocktails and Party Beverages Made Easy
If you must show off and serve a special beverage, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a container so that you aren't stuck faffing around with drinks while you should be enjoying yourself. Once underway, enlist a significant other or friend to keep an eye on the drinks then top up if required until it's finished. Follow suit for the soft drink; people enjoy to have a job at a party allowing them to share in a share of positive vibes.
For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you go for (they abound via search), avoid anything overly sugary – young ones present need their own drinks – and should you own one, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add them to the bowl since they're unsafe for people abstaining from alcohol entirely). Take care with how it looks so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived unimportant; just spend a moment to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange into the bowl.
Nibbles That Delight Without Effort
In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade trays of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets seasonally; they feel fussy, and usually require heating things up (should you do this, be aware that all guests secretly likes toasted bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe you can't beat a couple of sizable bowls of 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 South Asian section of supermarkets, along with a few olives without stones as a garnish (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones in odd places in the future).
If, like my mum, you feel snacks substantial fare, a single big slab of quality cheese on a platter alongside crackers plus artfully draped grapes always looks artistic. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish arranged on it (a single variety, except if you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive ready-made tart, like those available in specialty sections during festivities, is more substantial, and you truly will succeed by serving artisanal pieces of Italian bread, since they don't need spreading butter.
