The Ultimate 60-Minute Party Plan: Stress-Free Hosting for Unexpected Company
In this festive time, while there's a lot happening which even energetic people might sometimes long for the calm respite in the new year, it is all too simple to neglect details. I expect I cannot be the only one who's ever been jolted back to reality at my desk by a text from someone asking, "What time do you want over later?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, or just inclined toward spontaneous plans, I have you covered.
The Secret to Great Parties
Above all, though I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, whether you've planned for a year versus just 15 minutes, the greatest parties are the simplest. What anyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, plus enough nibbles so they do not feel like chewing their arm during the ride back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates professional bartending, fancy food and musical performances.
The greatest parties are the simplest. Still, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you have only put this thing together while coming home from work.
Picking a Style to Focus Your Shopping
Nevertheless, an overarching idea can be useful for disguising that you have only thrown the party together on the way after work. And with a theme, I mean something like a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood plus crispbreads, Nordic beats selection; or fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, chilled brews or cocktails, and lots of snacks, spicy sauce & avocado dip, and Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your options on the inevitable shopping trip.
Strategic Buying to Support The Event
In the store, choose a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some prefer not to) and a couple of snacks that match the style, and buy as many within your budget, instead of fretting about offering guests too much choice. No thing looks as generous and celebratory than plenty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed with a tub full of iced containers of competitively priced crémant or cava than a small serving of swanky champagne. (Include some bags of cubes, as well; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)
Beverages and Party Beverages Made Easy
If you must impress and offer a cocktail, then pre-mix a big quantity in a jug so you aren't stuck faffing around with it while it's time to enjoying yourself. After starting, request a significant other or volunteer to watch the drinks then top up if required till it's finished. Do the same for the soft drink; people love to have a role at a party allowing them to enjoy the goodwill.
Regarding punch, whatever recipe you choose (there are many online), steer clear of anything too sweet – any kids there should have their own drinks – and if you have one, put a bottle of bitters within reach (don't add any in the mix since they're inappropriate for people who do not consume alcohol entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; just spend a minute to slice a few rounds of citrus for garnish.
Snacks That Work With Minimal Fuss
In my view, I would avoid the store-bought platters of "party foods" available in supermarkets during the holidays; they seem fussy, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you choose to go this route, know that everyone secretly prefers herb bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat several large dishes with good-quality chips (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no allergies, some of those big and excellent value containers with nuts typically found in the international aisle in stores, and maybe a few pitted olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to find pits in your pot plants in the future).
If, as my mother says, you feel chips real food, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a board with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks painterly. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared meats or fish arranged there (only one type, except if money is no object), alternatively a nice store-bought tart, of the type that pop up at delis during festivities, is even more satisfying, and you really can't go wrong by serving rustic chunks of flatbread, because they require no additional preparation.
