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During the festive season, while there is plenty happening which the most vivacious people may sometimes anticipate a calm respite of the new year, it is very simple to overlook things. I expect I'm not the only person who has once been jolted awake while at my desk by an inquiry from a friend asking, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're distracted, or simply prone to spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.

The Secret to Great Parties

Firstly, and I cannot stress this enough, if you've organized for months or only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the most straightforward. What everyone really wants are pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, and sufficient nibbles that they do not end up gnawing something on the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred catering or a live band.

The best gatherings are the simplest. However, an idea is useful to cover up the fact you have only put this thing together on the way home from work.

Choosing a Concept to Guide The Shopping

That said, a theme can be useful to conceal the fact you have only put this thing on on the way home from work. By concept, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring glögg, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish and flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, chilled brews and tequila drinks, along with plenty of snacks, tomato dip and guacamole, and festive music in the background) helps direct your options on the necessary grocery run.

Smart Buying for Your Gathering

In the store, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one for others don't want to) and a couple of nibbles suited to the style, and get a generous amount within your budget, rather than stressing over offering guests endless options. Nothing appears more welcoming and celebratory as abundance – I would always rather to be welcomed with a tub stocked with cold bottles of reasonably priced sparkling wine than a small serving with fancy champagne. (Add a few bags of ice, as well; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)

Drinks & Punch Streamlined

If you must show off and offer a cocktail, then pre-mix a large batch in a jug so that you're not stuck busying yourself with it while you should be having fun. Once underway, enlist a partner or friend to monitor it then top up if required till it's gone. Do the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to be given a task during gatherings so they may enjoy the goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you choose (there are many via search), avoid any recipe overly sugary – any kids present ought to have their own drinks – and should you own one, place flavor enhancers nearby (refrain from putting them to the bowl since they're unsafe for individuals who do not consume alcohol altogether). Take care with presentation so that the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; it doesn't take a short time to cut several pieces of lemon or orange to the punch.

Snacks That Work With Minimal Effort

In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade platters of "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as overly complicated, and frequently involve using the oven (should you go this route, remember that all guests secretly prefers herb bread or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top a couple of large containers of decent snacks (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no issues, a package of great-value containers of nuts typically found in the international aisle at the market, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives for colour (you don't want to discover stones in your pot plants in the future).

In case, like my mum, you don't consider crisps proper food, a single large piece of quality cheese on a platter alongside crackers and some beautifully placed grapes always looks painterly. A plate featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed there (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), or a handsome ready-made pie, like those that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is even more substantial, and you really will succeed with homestyle chunks of Italian bread, since they don't need buttering.

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