Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Stress-Free Entertaining for Unexpected Company

Throughout this busy season, while there's a lot going on which even vivacious individuals may sometimes long for the calm respite of January, it's all too easy to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the sole one who has ever been jolted back to reality at work by a message by someone wondering, "What time should we come us tonight?" Fear not; if you are absent minded, and simply prone to spontaneous gatherings, I've got some solutions.

The Secret to Successful Parties

Above all, though I cannot stress this enough, whether you've organized for a year or only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events are the simplest. All everyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, and enough to eat that guests do not feel like chewing their arm during the ride back. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody anticipates a full bar, gourmet catering or entertainers.

The most successful parties are the most basic. However, a concept helps to cover up the reality you've only put the event on while coming home from work.

Picking a Concept to Focus The Preparations

Still, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you've just put this thing on on the way home from work. And with a theme, think of something like the holidays. Going a bit focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or fiesta-style party, with holiday punch, chilled brews and cocktails, and lots of tortilla chips, salsa & guacamole, with upbeat tunes in the background) will focus your options on the inevitable shopping trip.

Smart Buying to Support The Gathering

At the shops, pick one or two beverages (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) plus some appetizers suited to the style, and get as much of them as possible, instead of fretting about providing endless options. Nothing appears more welcoming and cheerful than abundance – I'd consistently prefer to arrive with a container full of cold bottles with affordable bubbly over a single glass with swanky bubbly. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, too; there is never plenty of ice.)

Cocktails & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified

Should you impress and provide a mixed drink, make sure to pre-mix a big quantity in a container so you're not stuck busying yourself with preparation while it's time to having fun. Once underway, enlist a partner or friend to watch it then replenish when needed until it runs out. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to have a task while socializing so they may share in a share of festive spirit.

Regarding punch, whatever mix you go for (there are many on the internet), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and should you own one, put flavor enhancers nearby (don't add them to the bowl as they're not suitable for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Put in some work in presenting it so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem neglected; just spend a short time to cut a few rounds of fruit into the bowl.

Nibbles That Delight Without Fuss

Personally, I'd skip the pre-made platters with "party foods" that appear in supermarkets at this time of year; they come across as overly complicated, and often require using the oven (if you choose to do this, know that everyone truly prefers herb bread and/or mini sausages anyway). I truly believe nothing beats several really big bowls with tasty snacks (salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no issues, a package of great-value packets of mixed nuts typically found in the South Asian section at the market, along with some pitted olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to find stones around the house next Easter).

If, as my mother says, you think chips real food, a single large piece of quality cheese on a platter with crackers plus beautifully placed fruit always looks visually appealing. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (only one type, except if you're wealthy), or an attractive store-bought pastry, similar to that appear on deli counters seasonally, is more satisfying, while you truly will succeed with homestyle chunks of focaccia, since they don't need additional preparation.

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