The Ultimate One-Hour Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Unexpected Company
In the holiday time, when there's a lot going on that the most vivacious people might occasionally anticipate a quiet break in the new year, it's all too easy to overlook details. I expect I cannot be the only person who's ever been surprised back to reality at my desk by a message from a friend asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Fear not; whether you're absent minded, or simply prone to last-minute gatherings, I have your back.
The Golden Rule to Successful Parties
First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, whether you've planned for months versus only 15 minutes, the best parties tend to be the most straightforward. What everyone expects is a good chat, something to sip, plus enough to eat that guests don't feel like gnawing something during the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects extensive drinks, fancy catering or musical performances.
The most successful parties are the most basic. That said, a concept is useful to cover up the reality you have only thrown the event together while coming after a long day.
Picking a Theme to Guide The Shopping
That said, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you've just thrown the party together while returning home from work. By concept, think of something like Christmas. Going slightly focused (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, featuring glögg, spiced punch, smoked fish plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, chilled brews and cocktails, and plenty of corn chips, spicy sauce & avocado dip, and Luis Miguel on the stereo) helps direct your choices during the upcoming supermarket sweep.
Practical Purchasing for Your Gathering
In the store, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic for those who do, one not in case some don't want to) plus a couple of snacks suited to the style, then purchase a generous amount as possible, instead of worrying about giving people too much choice. No thing looks more abundant and cheerful as plenty – I'd always rather to arrive with a container filled with iced containers with reasonably priced bubbly than one glass of swanky bubbly. (Add some bags of ice, as well; there is never enough ice.)
Drinks & Party Beverages Simplified
If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and provide a special beverage, then prepare ahead a large batch in a container so that you're not left busying yourself with it when you ought to be socializing. Once underway, request a partner or helper to monitor the drinks and replenish if required till it's gone. Do the same for the non-alcoholic punch; people enjoy to take on a role at a party so they may experience the goodwill.
On the punch front, whatever mix you go for (you can find plenty via search), steer clear of any recipe overly sugary – any kids there should have their own drinks – and should it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters within reach (refrain from putting any in the mix since they are inappropriate for those who do not consume alcohol entirely). Take care in presenting it so the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel unimportant; it doesn't take a short time to slice a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.
Snacks That Work Without Preparation
In my view, I recommend passing on the pre-made platters of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and frequently involve turning the oven on (should you opt for these, be aware that all guests quietly favors garlic bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats several sizable dishes of decent chips (plain salted is universally liked), and, provided there are no allergies, one of those large and economical bags of nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives for color (try not to still be finding stones in odd places next Easter).
In case, like my mum, you don't consider crisps real food, a single big slab of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads plus beautifully placed fruit often appears visually appealing. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood laid out there (only one type, except if money is no object), or an attractive ready-made tart, like those available on deli counters at this time of year, is more filling, while you truly can't go wrong by serving homestyle pieces of flatbread, because they don't need spreading butter.
