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During this festive time, while there's plenty happening which the most energetic people might sometimes long for the quiet break in the new year, it is very easy to neglect things. I believe I cannot be the sole one who's once felt startled awake at my desk by an inquiry from someone wondering, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Fear not; whether you are forgetful, and just prone to spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.

The Key to Memorable Gatherings

Above all, though I can't stress it enough, whether you've been planning long in advance or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events tend to be the most straightforward. What everyone really wants are pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, plus sufficient to eat so they do not end up chewing their arm during the ride home. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, gourmet food and a live band.

The best gatherings tend to be the most basic. Still, a concept is useful to disguise the fact you have just put this thing together while coming back from the office.

Selecting a Theme to Direct Your Preparations

Nevertheless, an overarching idea is helpful for disguising the fact you have just put this thing on on the way after work. And by theme, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly focused (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, refreshing lagers and tequila drinks, along with plenty of tortilla chips, salsa & guacamole, with Luis Miguel in the background) helps direct the selection during the upcoming supermarket sweep.

Strategic Shopping to Support Your Party

While shopping, choose one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not for others avoid alcohol) and a few snacks suited to the theme, then get as many as you can afford, instead of fretting about offering guests a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and as festive as plenty – I'd consistently prefer to enter by a tub full of iced containers of affordable sparkling wine than one glass with fancy bubbly. (Include a few bags of cubes, too; you'll find never enough ice.)

Cocktails and Punch Streamlined

If you must demonstrate skills and serve a cocktail, make sure to prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't left busying yourself with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or helper to monitor it and top up as necessary till it's finished. Follow suit with the soft drink; people love to have a task while socializing so they can share in a share of positive vibes.

Regarding punch, whatever recipe you go for (they abound on the internet), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids present should have separate beverages – and if you have one, place a bottle of bitters close by (avoid adding them to the bowl as they are not suitable for individuals who avoid drinks altogether). Take care in presenting it so the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived unimportant; just spend a minute to cut several pieces of citrus into the bowl.

Nibbles That Work Without Fuss

For me, I recommend passing on the readymade assortments of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets seasonally; they feel fancy, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you choose to do this, know that all guests quietly likes toasted bread or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats two large bowls with decent snacks (simple pleases everyone), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical bags with nuts available in the international aisle in stores, and maybe some pitted olives for colour (you don't want to discover pits in odd places in the future).

If, like my mum, you feel chips substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of good cheese on a board alongside crackers and some beautifully placed fruit always looks artistic. A serving dish with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon displayed there (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome pre-made pie, similar to that pop up at delis at this time of year, proves more substantial, while you really will succeed with rustic chunks of Italian bread, because they require no buttering.

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