How to Throw a Great Party at the Last Minute
An organized house saves time and stress when things happen at the last minute. By setting up housekeeping systems and household organization in advance, it will be a snap to fluff a few pillows, run the vacuum across the floor and be ready to receive guests. If everything has a place, then you can make a swipe through the “public spaces” of your house with a laundry basket to catch any loose items such as books, toys, and school bags and stash them away until the party disperses.
“Stocking the pantry” may seem pretty old fashioned, but it’s just as important these days as it was in grandma’s time. By keeping your shelves and fridge stocked with simple staples, you’ll be able to whip up snacks or supper in a snap. Your mantra should be “simplicity” – have a few dishes in your hip pocket that you make well and feel confident preparing, it doesn’t have to be anything complicated (and it shouldn’t be!) – a great pasta dish, grilled chicken and a big salad, or even a big plate of deli cheese and meats with fresh bread can be fantastic party faire. Let your freezer be your friend as well – if you like to cook in batches and freeze, you can pull out some of your own homemade specialties and just heat and serve.
Don’t be ashamed or afraid to utilize your deli and/or supermarket. For a last minute party, it’s perfectly fine to stop at the store and pick up some roasted chicken, salads, dessert or other pre-made food. With a little sprucing up, serving in your own dishes and some attention to the dÃ?©cor, no one will know it came from the corner store instead of from your own hand. The key is to personalize and pay attention to detail, but to keep things simple, fresh and abundant.
Be sure to remember the beverages! More and more people are keeping small wine cellars or collections in their own homes and this is a great resource for an impromptu party – but other ideas might include a frosty pitcher of lemonade, a selection of artisan beers, an old-fashioned punch or sparkling cider. Again, keep things simple and only offer two or three choices – it will be elegant and easy on your time and budget.
Dessert can also be elegant and simple – ice cream is always popular, as would be fresh fruit in season (either served with ice cream, or with some fancy bakery cookies.) Allowing for a selection and letting people make their own sundaes is very festive and requires no prep time – just set out the “fixings” and let people put together their own desserts. For a birthday party, or other celebration – a personalized cake from the store or bakery is completely suitable and festive.
If possible, divvy up responsibilities and have someone bring beverages, someone else bring dessert, etc. This way, you can host the party, but not have to do all the work. Often, gatherings where everyone pitches in feel more communal and jolly anyway.
As for decorations, if you keep a basket or drawer filled with some of the basics (colored balloons, crepe paper, colored construction paper, ribbon, tape, and tacks) you can put together a quick “party atmosphere” in no time. Even better, if you have a partner or children – let them do the decorating while you are getting the food together. For a more elegant, grown-up party – no need to decorate, just add some fresh flowers if you have them or utilize sparkling dishes, baskets or other items you have around the house creatively for centerpieces and dÃ?©cor.
With these few basic tips, throwing a last minute party need not be stressful. In fact, you may find having less time to worry over a pending gathering works for you, and, like any aspects of modern life, you may shine at putting things together on a dime! Just remember to keep things simple, fresh and abundant and your party will come off without a hitch.
