An Expert's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors
Throughout this busy period, when there's a lot happening which the most lively individuals may occasionally anticipate the calm break of January, it is very easy to neglect things. I believe I cannot be the only one who's once felt jolted awake at my desk because of a text by a friend asking, "What time are we expected us tonight?" Fear not; whether you're distracted, or simply likely to make impromptu gatherings, I have you covered.
The Key to Memorable Get-Togethers
Above all, though I cannot emphasize this enough, whether you've been planning for months or only a short while, the most enjoyable events are the easiest. All anyone is hoping for are a good chat, something to drink, and enough to eat that they don't end up chewing an arm off during the ride back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet food and musical performances.
The greatest parties are the simplest. However, a theme is useful to disguise the reality you have only thrown the event together while coming home from work.
Choosing a Concept to Focus Your Party Planning
Still, a theme is helpful to conceal that you have just put this thing on while returning after work. By concept, think of for example Christmas. Getting a bit focused (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood and flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, cold beers or margaritas, and plenty of snacks, salsa and avocado dip, with Luis Miguel playing) helps direct the selection on the inevitable shopping trip.
Practical Purchasing to Support The Party
At the shops, choose a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for others avoid alcohol) plus some appetizers that fit your concept, then buy as many within your budget, rather than worrying about offering guests a wide selection. No thing looks as generous and cheerful as plenty – I would always prefer to arrive with a container stocked with iced containers with competitively priced bubbly over one glass of expensive bubbly. (Include several packs of ice, as well; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)
Cocktails & Punch Simplified
If you must impress and provide a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a container so that you aren't stuck messing about with it when you ought to be enjoying yourself. After starting, enlist a significant other or helper to keep an eye on it and refill as necessary till it's gone. Do the same for the soft drink; people appreciate to take on a task while socializing so they may experience some of positive vibes.
Regarding punch, whichever formula you choose (they abound via search), steer clear of anything overly sugary – young ones present should have kid-friendly options – and should it's available, plonk flavor enhancers nearby (avoid adding any to the bowl as they are not suitable for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Take care with how it looks so that the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a short time to slice some slices of fruit into the bowl.
Food That Work Without Effort
In my view, I'd skip the readymade platters with "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets during the holidays; they seem fancy, and usually require using the oven (if you choose to go this route, remember that all guests quietly favors toasted bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of really big bowls of good-quality chips (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those big and excellent value containers with nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps some pitted olives for colour (you don't want to still be finding stones around the house next Easter).
In case, similar to some, you feel snacks substantial fare, a single large piece of tasty cheese served simply and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears artistic. A serving dish with some preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood laid out there (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), alternatively an attractive pre-made pie, like those available in specialty sections at this time of year, is more substantial, and you really can't go wrong with homestyle pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for additional preparation.
