An Expert's One-Hour Entertaining Guide: Simple Hosting for Unexpected Visitors

During this busy time, when there is plenty going on which even lively individuals might sometimes long for a quiet break of January, it is all too simple to overlook things. I expect I'm not the sole one who has once felt surprised back to reality at work because of an inquiry from someone asking, "What time do you want us later?" Don't worry; if you are absent minded, or simply inclined toward last-minute gatherings, I have some solutions.

The Secret to Memorable Parties

Above all, and I cannot stress this enough, if you've organized for a year versus just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events are the simplest. What everyone expects is a good chat, a drink to sip, plus enough to eat that they do not feel like chewing an arm off on the ride home. Unless you are a fictional millionaire, no one expects a full bar, Michelin-starred catering or a live band.

The best gatherings are the most basic. Still, an idea helps to cover up the fact you have just put this thing on on the way back from the office.

Picking a Concept to Focus The Shopping

Still, a theme is helpful to conceal that you've just thrown the party on on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of something like Christmas. Going a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, cured seafood and rye crackers, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, chilled brews and margaritas, along with plenty of corn chips, spicy sauce and green spread, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow the selection during the necessary shopping trip.

Practical Buying for The Gathering

At the shops, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case others prefer not to) plus a few nibbles that match the style, then get as many within your budget, instead of stressing over offering guests too much choice. No thing appears more welcoming and cheerful as a bounty – I'd consistently prefer to enter with a tub stocked with chilled bottles of affordable bubbly than one glass of expensive champagne. (Chuck in some bags for chilling, as well; there is never plenty of ice.)

Beverages and Party Beverages Made Easy

Should you show off and offer a special beverage, then pre-mix a big quantity in a container so you're not stuck messing about with drinks when it's time to having fun. After starting, ask a significant other or volunteer to watch the drinks then refill when needed till it runs out. Follow suit with the non-alcoholic punch; people love to take on a job at a party so they can enjoy a share of positive vibes.

Regarding punch, whatever formula you pick (you can find plenty on the internet), avoid anything excessively sweet – children present should have their own drinks – and if it's available, plonk aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any in the mix as they're not suitable for people who do not consume drinks altogether). Take care with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived neglected; it only takes a short time to add a few rounds of lemon or orange to the punch.

Snacks That Shine With Minimal Preparation

For me, I recommend passing on the readymade assortments of "party foods" available at grocery stores at this time of year; they come across as fussy, and usually require turning the oven on (should you opt for these, know that all guests quietly prefers herb bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats two sizable dishes of good-quality chips (plain salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no issues, some of those great-value containers of mixed nuts available in the South Asian section in stores, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (you don't want to discover stones around the house next Easter).

In case, like my mum, you feel snacks real food, one large piece of quality cheese on a board with crackers and some beautifully placed grapes tends to seem painterly. A platter with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood displayed there (a single variety, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a handsome pre-made pie, of the type available in specialty sections during festivities, is even more filling, while you really will succeed with homestyle pieces of flatbread, since there's no need for additional preparation.

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