The Ultimate 60-Minute Entertaining Guide: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Company

During this busy period, while there is so much happening that the most energetic people might sometimes long for the calm respite in January, it's very simple to neglect details. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who has ever been surprised back to reality while at my desk by a message by a friend wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" No worries; if you are distracted, or simply likely to make impromptu invitations, I've got some solutions.

The Secret to Successful Parties

First and foremost, and I can't emphasize it enough, whether you have planned for a year or only a short while, the best parties are the simplest. All anyone expects are pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, and sufficient nibbles so guests don't feel like gnawing something on the bus home. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, fancy catering and musical performances.

The most successful parties tend to be the simplest. Still, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you've just put the event together while coming back from the office.

Choosing a Theme to Direct Your Preparations

Nevertheless, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you've only put the party on on the way home from work. And with a theme, I mean something like Christmas. Going a bit focused (Nordic holidays, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks plus flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, chilled brews or margaritas, along with heaps of snacks, tomato dip & green spread, and Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your choices on the upcoming shopping trip.

Practical Purchasing for Your Party

At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for some prefer not to) plus some snacks that match the theme, and purchase as much of them as possible, instead of worrying about offering guests too much choice. No thing appears more welcoming and cheerful than abundance – I'd always rather to enter with a sink stocked with iced containers of affordable sparkling wine than one glass with expensive bubbly. (Include several packs of cubes, too; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)

Cocktails & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified

If you feel the need to impress and offer a special beverage, make sure to prepare ahead a big quantity in a pitcher so you aren't stuck messing about with drinks while you should be having fun. Once the party begins, enlist a significant other or helper to keep an eye on it then refill as necessary until it runs out. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests love to be given a task while socializing allowing them to experience the goodwill.

Regarding punch, whichever mix you pick (you can find plenty online), skip any recipe too sweet – young ones present need separate beverages – and if you have one, place flavor enhancers close by (refrain from putting them to the bowl since they're unsafe for those who avoid drinks altogether). Put in some work with how it looks so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a minute to slice several pieces of fruit into the bowl.

Snacks That Work With Minimal Fuss

Personally, I would avoid the readymade platters with "party foods" that pop up in shops at this time of year; they come across as overly complicated, and usually involve heating things up (if you choose to go this route, know that everyone quietly prefers toasted bread or cocktail sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat several large bowls of tasty chips (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no issues, one of those big and excellent value bags with nuts often sold with global foods at the market, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives for color (it's best to avoid to still be finding pits in odd places next Easter).

If, as my mother says, you don't consider crisps proper food, a single large piece of good cheese on a board with crackers plus artfully draped grapes always looks painterly. A plate featuring cured or cooked meats or fish displayed there (only one type, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a nice ready-made pastry, like those that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is more substantial, and you really will succeed by serving rustic pieces of Italian bread, since they require no buttering.

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