The Ultimate 60-Minute Party Plan: Simple Entertaining for Last-Minute Visitors

During this festive period, when there is so much happening which the most lively people might sometimes look forward to the calm break of January, it's all too easy to forget things. I expect I cannot be the only one who has ever been jolted awake while at my desk by a text from someone asking, "What time do you want us later?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, or simply prone to impromptu plans, I've got you covered.

The Key to Successful Parties

Firstly, though I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, if you have organized for a year versus only a quarter-hour, the best events are the most straightforward. All anyone expects are a good chat, something to sip, plus sufficient food that guests don't end up gnawing something during the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred food and a live band.

The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. Still, an idea is useful to disguise the reality you've only put the party together on the way back from the office.

Selecting a Style to Direct The Shopping

That said, a theme works well to hide the fact you've just thrown this thing on while returning after work. And with a theme, think of something like Christmas. Going a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, fish snacks and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, refreshing lagers or cocktails, along with heaps of snacks, spicy sauce & guacamole, and upbeat tunes playing) will focus your choices during the inevitable grocery run.

Strategic Buying to Support The Party

At the shops, select a drink or two (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for some prefer not to) plus a few snacks that fit the theme, then get as many as you can afford, rather than stressing over providing too much choice. Nothing appears as generous and celebratory than a bounty – I would always rather to arrive by a container filled with chilled bottles with competitively priced crémant or cava than a single glass of expensive champagne. (Add several packs of cubes, too; you'll find seldom enough ice.)

Drinks & Punch Simplified

If you must impress and provide a mixed drink, make sure to pre-mix a big quantity in a container so that you're not stuck busying yourself with drinks when it's time to having fun. After starting, enlist a close friend or friend to watch it then top up as necessary till it's finished. Follow suit for the soft drink; guests love to take on a job while socializing so they can share in the festive spirit.

On the punch front, whatever recipe you choose (there are many on the internet), avoid anything excessively sweet – young ones there ought to have separate beverages – and should you have one, plonk aromatic bitters close by (refrain from putting any into the punch since they are not suitable for individuals abstaining from drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to add a few rounds of fruit to the punch.

Nibbles That Shine With Minimal Fuss

For me, I recommend passing on the store-bought platters with "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they feel fussy, and frequently require using the oven (should you do this, be aware that everyone truly likes toasted bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two really big dishes of good-quality snacks (plain salted pleases everyone), and, provided there are no allergies, some of those large and economical bags of nuts typically found in the South Asian section in stores, along with a few olives without stones as a garnish (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones in your pot plants next Easter).

In case, like my mum, you feel crisps substantial fare, a single large piece of good cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some artfully draped fruit always looks painterly. A plate with some salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood arranged there (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), alternatively an attractive ready-made tart, like those available on deli counters during festivities, is even more filling, and you truly will succeed with artisanal slices of flatbread, because there's no need for spreading butter.

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