Felicity Cloake's One-Hour Party Strategy: Simple Entertaining for Unexpected Company

Throughout this holiday season, while there's plenty happening which even vivacious individuals might occasionally long for the quiet break in January, it's all too simple to forget details. I expect I'm not the only person who has ever been jolted awake while at my desk because of a message by a friend asking, "What time are we expected us tonight?" No worries; if you are distracted, and just prone to last-minute plans, I have your back.

The Secret to Successful Parties

Above all, and I cannot emphasize it enough, if you have been planning for a year or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties are the simplest. All everyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to sip, and sufficient nibbles so guests don't end up gnawing their arm on the bus home. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, nobody expects a full bar, gourmet food or musical performances.

The best gatherings tend to be the most basic. That said, a theme helps to disguise the fact you have only put the event on on the way after a long day.

Picking a Theme to Focus Your Party Planning

That said, a theme is helpful to hide that you've only put the party on on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Going slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, spiced punch, fish snacks and rye crackers, folk tunes selection; or fiesta-style party, including ponche navideño, chilled brews and cocktails, along with lots of corn chips, tomato dip and avocado dip, with upbeat tunes in the background) can narrow your choices on the inevitable grocery run.

Strategic Shopping for The Gathering

In the store, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) plus a few nibbles that match the theme, and get a generous amount as you can afford, instead of stressing over offering guests endless options. Nothing appears as generous and cheerful as plenty – I would always rather to be welcomed by a tub full of chilled bottles with competitively priced bubbly over one glass with expensive bubbly. (Include a few bags of ice, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)

Beverages & Punch Streamlined

If you must demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, make sure to prepare ahead a large batch in a pitcher so that you're not stuck busying yourself with it when it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or helper to keep an eye on the drinks and top up if required until it runs out. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; people appreciate to have a role at a party so they may share in a share of positive vibes.

On the punch front, whichever mix you choose (you can find plenty via search), skip anything overly sugary – any kids present should have separate beverages – and should you own one, plonk aromatic bitters within reach (don't add them into the punch since they are unsafe for people abstaining from alcohol altogether). Put in some work with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a minute to add several pieces of fruit for garnish.

Food That Shine Without Fuss

Personally, I'd skip the store-bought assortments with "party foods" available in supermarkets during the holidays; they feel overly complicated, and often involve heating things up (should you opt for these, know that everyone quietly favors garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of large bowls of tasty snacks (plain salted will offend no one), and, assuming no allergies, one of those big and excellent value packets of nuts available with global foods of supermarkets, along with a few pitted olives for color (try not to discover pits in your pot plants months later).

In case, like my mum, you don't consider crisps real food, one large piece of good cheese on a board alongside crackers and some artfully draped fruit always looks artistic. A platter featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish arranged on it (only one type, unless you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome ready-made tart, of the type that pop up at delis at this time of year, is even more substantial, while you really will succeed with rustic pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for buttering.

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