During the festive season, while there's a lot happening which even vivacious individuals might sometimes long for a calm break of January, it's very easy to forget things. I believe I'm not the only person who has once felt jolted back to reality while at my desk by a message from a friend asking, "What time should we come us tonight?" Fear not; if you're distracted, and just prone to impromptu invitations, I have you covered.
First and foremost, though I cannot stress it enough, if you have planned for months or just a short while, the greatest events tend to be the simplest. All everyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to enjoy, plus enough nibbles that they do not end up gnawing an arm off on the ride home. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects a full bar, fancy food and musical performances.
The greatest parties tend to be the easiest. However, a theme helps to mask the reality you've only thrown the party together on the way back from the office.
That said, an overarching idea is helpful to hide the fact you have just put this thing together while returning after work. And by theme, think of for example the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish and rye crackers, folk tunes playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including ponche navideño, refreshing lagers and tequila drinks, and heaps of snacks, tomato dip and guacamole, with Luis Miguel in the background) can narrow your options on the inevitable grocery run.
At the shops, choose one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case some don't want to) plus a couple of nibbles that fit your concept, and purchase as much of them as possible, rather than stressing over giving people endless options. Nothing appears more welcoming and cheerful than abundance – I'd always prefer to be welcomed by a tub stocked with cold bottles of competitively priced crémant or cava over one glass of expensive bubbly. (Add some bags for chilling, too; there is seldom plenty of ice.)
If you must show off and serve a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so you aren't stuck busying yourself with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once underway, request a close friend or volunteer to keep an eye on it and replenish if required until it's gone. Apply the same with the soft drink; guests appreciate to have a task while socializing so they can enjoy a share of positive vibes.
Regarding punch, whatever recipe you go for (there are many online), steer clear of any recipe excessively sweet – young ones present should have kid-friendly options – and if it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters close by (avoid adding them to the bowl as they're inappropriate for people abstaining from drinks entirely). Put in some work with how it looks so the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a minute to add a few rounds of lemon or orange for garnish.
Personally, I recommend passing on the pre-made assortments of "party foods" available in supermarkets at this time of year; they come across as overly complicated, and usually involve heating things up (if you must go this route, be aware that all guests truly prefers toasted bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats a couple of sizable containers of decent chips (simple will offend no one), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets of nuts typically found in the South Asian section at the market, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives for color (try not to discover pits in odd places months later).
In case, like my mum, you feel chips proper food, one sizeable chunk of good cheese on a platter and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged fruit always looks visually appealing. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish displayed there (only one type, except if you have a large budget), or an attractive ready-made pastry, similar to that pop up on deli counters during festivities, proves more filling, and you truly can't go wrong with artisanal chunks of flatbread, since there's no need for spreading butter.
A seasoned casino enthusiast and gaming analyst with over a decade of experience in slot machine mechanics and strategies.
