Felicity Cloake's Quick-Fire Party Plan: Stress-Free Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors

Throughout this busy season, when there is plenty going on which even energetic people might occasionally long for the calm break of January, it is all too simple to forget things. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who's ever been surprised awake while at my desk by an inquiry by a friend asking, "What time are we expected us tonight?" No worries; if you're absent minded, or just prone to impromptu gatherings, I've got you covered.

The Golden Rule to Memorable Parties

First and foremost, though I can't stress it enough, whether you've planned for a year versus just a short while, the greatest parties are the easiest. All everyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, a drink to enjoy, plus enough nibbles that they don't end up chewing something during the bus back. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred food or a live band.

The best parties tend to be the easiest. However, a concept is useful to mask the reality you have just put this thing on while coming after a long day.

Choosing a Theme to Direct Your Party Planning

That said, a theme can be useful to hide that you have only thrown the party together while returning after work. And with a theme, think of for example Christmas. Getting a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, cold beers and margaritas, along with heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip and guacamole, and upbeat tunes in the background) helps direct your choices during the upcoming grocery run.

Strategic Buying for Your Party

At the shops, pick one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case some avoid alcohol) and some appetizers suited to the theme, and buy as much of them within your budget, rather than fretting about providing too much choice. No thing appears more welcoming and as festive than plenty – I would always rather to enter with a sink stocked with iced containers of reasonably priced crémant or cava over a small serving of fancy champagne. (Include several packs of ice, as well; there is never enough ice.)

Cocktails and Party Beverages Streamlined

If you feel the need to show off and provide a cocktail, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a pitcher so you're not left messing about with preparation while it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, request a close friend or friend to monitor it and replenish if required till it's gone. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to take on a role during gatherings allowing them to enjoy a share of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whichever mix you choose (they abound via search), avoid any recipe too sweet – any kids present ought to have separate beverages – and should it's available, put a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding them to the bowl as they are not suitable for people abstaining from drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a short time to cut several pieces of lemon or orange to the punch.

Nibbles That Work Without Effort

In my view, I would avoid the store-bought assortments of "party foods" that appear in shops during the holidays; they seem fancy, and frequently involve using the oven (should you go this route, know that all guests truly prefers herb bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced it's hard to top a couple of sizable bowls with good-quality crisps (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those great-value packets of mixed nuts available in the South Asian section of supermarkets, and maybe some olives without stones for color (it's best to avoid to discover pits in odd places next Easter).

If, similar to some, you don't consider chips proper food, a single big slab of tasty cheese on a board alongside crackers plus artfully draped grapes always looks painterly. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish displayed there (a single variety, except if money is no object), or an attractive pre-made pie, of the type that appear at delis at this time of year, is more filling, and you truly will succeed with artisanal pieces of focaccia, since they require no buttering.

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