Felicity Cloake's 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Effortless Entertaining for Unexpected Company

During this busy season, when there is a lot happening that even energetic people may sometimes look forward to the quiet break in the new year, it's very easy to overlook things. I believe I cannot be the sole one who has once been jolted awake at work by a text from a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" Fear not; whether you're forgetful, or just likely to make spontaneous gatherings, I've got you covered.

The Secret to Memorable Parties

Firstly, and I can't stress it sufficiently, whether you've organized long in advance versus only a short while, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. All everyone expects is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, plus enough nibbles that they don't end up chewing their arm on the bus home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects professional bartending, gourmet food or entertainers.

The most successful gatherings tend to be the simplest. However, a theme is useful to cover up the reality you have only thrown the event on while coming back from the office.

Selecting a Style to Direct The Party Planning

That said, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal the fact you have only put the party together while returning after work. And by theme, think of such as the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks and flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, cold beers or cocktails, and plenty of tortilla chips, tomato dip & guacamole, and upbeat tunes playing) helps direct your options during the upcoming grocery run.

Strategic Buying to Support The Event

While shopping, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) and some nibbles that fit the style, then purchase as much of them within your budget, rather than worrying about giving people too much choice. No thing appears more welcoming and cheerful than a bounty – I would consistently rather to be welcomed by a container filled with cold bottles of competitively priced crémant or cava than a single glass of fancy champagne. (Chuck in several packs of ice, too; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)

Beverages & Punch Streamlined

If you must demonstrate skills and provide a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a jug so that you're not stuck faffing around with it when you should be enjoying yourself. Once underway, ask a close friend or friend to watch it then top up when needed until it runs out. Do the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests appreciate to be given a task during gatherings so they can share in a share of goodwill.

Regarding punch, whatever formula you choose (you can find plenty via search), skip anything excessively sweet – young ones present need separate beverages – and should you have one, put aromatic bitters nearby (don't add any to the bowl as they're inappropriate for people abstaining from alcohol altogether). Put in some work in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to cut several pieces of citrus to the punch.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Effort

Personally, I'd skip the store-bought assortments of "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they feel fussy, and often involve heating things up (if you must opt for these, be aware that all guests quietly favors herb bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I truly believe nothing beats two really big dishes with good-quality snacks (simple is universally liked), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets of mixed nuts available with global foods of supermarkets, and maybe a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (you don't want to discover stones in your pot plants in the future).

If, similar to some, you think chips real food, one large piece of good cheese served simply alongside crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears visually appealing. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish laid out on it (a single variety, unless money is no object), or a nice store-bought pie, like those that appear at delis during festivities, is more filling, while you really can't go wrong with homestyle slices of Italian bread, since they don't need additional preparation.

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