Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Company

In the festive season, when there is so much happening which the most vivacious individuals may occasionally long for a quiet break of the new year, it's very simple to forget details. I expect I'm not the sole one who's once been jolted back to reality while at work by a message from a friend asking, "What time do you want over later?" Don't worry; whether you are absent minded, and simply likely to make impromptu invitations, I have some solutions.

The Golden Rule to Great Get-Togethers

Above all, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, if you've organized for a year versus only a short while, the greatest parties are the most straightforward. All anyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, plus sufficient to eat so they don't feel like chewing their arm on the ride home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred catering and entertainers.

The most successful parties tend to be the most basic. That said, an idea helps to disguise the reality you've only thrown this thing together on the way back from the office.

Choosing a Style to Direct The Shopping

Still, a theme can be useful for disguising the fact you've only put this thing on on the way home from work. And by theme, I mean something like a seasonal celebration. Going a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including ponche navideño, cold beers and tequila drinks, and heaps of tortilla chips, spicy sauce & guacamole, and festive music on the stereo) can narrow your options on the inevitable supermarket sweep.

Practical Buying to Support Your Event

While shopping, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case others don't want to) and some nibbles suited to your concept, and get a generous amount as you can afford, instead of worrying about providing too much choice. No thing looks as generous and celebratory as a bounty – I would always prefer to arrive with a sink full of iced containers with affordable sparkling wine over one glass with fancy champagne. (Add a few bags of ice, as well; there is seldom sufficient ice.)

Cocktails & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified

If you must demonstrate skills and offer a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a large batch in a container so that you're not stuck messing about with drinks when it's time to socializing. Once the party begins, request a close friend or volunteer to keep an eye on the drinks and replenish when needed till it's finished. Do the same for the non-alcoholic punch; people enjoy to take on a job during gatherings so they can enjoy a share of positive vibes.

For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you go for (they abound via search), avoid anything excessively sweet – young ones there ought to have their own drinks – and should you have one, put a bottle of bitters close by (refrain from putting any in the mix as they're not suitable for individuals abstaining from drinks altogether). Put in some work with presentation so the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a short time to slice several pieces of citrus to the punch.

Snacks That Delight With Minimal Fuss

In my view, I'd skip the store-bought assortments with "party foods" available in shops at this time of year; they come across as overly complicated, and often require heating things up (should you opt for these, know that all guests truly prefers herb bread and/or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced it's hard to top two sizable dishes of tasty chips (simple will offend no one), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical bags with nuts often sold with global foods in stores, along with some olives without stones as a garnish (you don't want to find stones in your pot plants in the future).

If, similar to some, you don't consider snacks substantial fare, a single big slab of good cheese on a board alongside crackers plus beautifully placed grapes often appears artistic. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out there (only one type, except if money is no object), or a handsome pre-made pastry, like those that pop up at delis during festivities, proves more filling, and you really will succeed with rustic slices of focaccia, since they don't need additional preparation.

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