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Throughout this holiday period, while there is so much happening that even vivacious individuals might sometimes anticipate the quiet respite of the new year, it is all too easy to forget things. I expect I'm not the sole one who has once felt jolted back to reality while at my desk by an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" No worries; whether you are forgetful, and just prone to spontaneous gatherings, I've got you covered.

The Secret to Great Get-Togethers

Above all, though I can't emphasize it sufficiently, whether you have organized long in advance versus just a short while, the best parties are the most straightforward. All everyone really wants is engaging talks, a drink to drink, plus enough food so they do not end up gnawing an arm off during the ride back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, no one expects extensive drinks, fancy food or musical performances.

The greatest parties are the simplest. That said, a concept helps to cover up the reality you've just put this thing together on the way home from work.

Picking a Theme to Focus Your Shopping

Nevertheless, a theme is helpful to hide the fact you've just put the party together while returning from the office. And with a theme, think of for example a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring spiced drink, warm beverage, fish snacks and rye crackers, Nordic beats playlist; or Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, along with plenty of corn chips, salsa and green spread, with Luis Miguel in the background) will focus the selection on the upcoming shopping trip.

Strategic Buying to Support Your Party

While shopping, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case others don't want to) plus some appetizers suited to your concept, and get a generous amount as you can afford, instead of worrying about providing a wide selection. No thing looks as generous and celebratory as a bounty – I would always rather to enter with a container filled with cold bottles of competitively priced sparkling wine than a single glass with fancy bubbly. (Include some bags of ice, as well; there is seldom enough ice.)

Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined

Should you demonstrate skills and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a container so that you aren't stuck faffing around with drinks when you should be enjoying yourself. After starting, enlist a close friend or friend to keep an eye on it then top up if required until it runs out. Apply the same with the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to have a role during gatherings allowing them to experience some of goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you choose (they abound via search), skip any recipe overly sugary – young ones there should have separate beverages – and should it's available, plonk flavor enhancers within reach (refrain from putting them into the punch as they're inappropriate for people abstaining from alcohol entirely). Put in some work with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a minute to add several pieces of citrus into the bowl.

Snacks That Delight Without Fuss

For me, I recommend passing on the store-bought platters with "party foods" that appear at grocery stores during the holidays; they come across as fancy, and frequently involve heating things up (if you must opt for these, be aware that everyone truly favors toasted bread or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced nothing beats a couple of really big containers of decent crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, one of those large and economical containers of nuts typically found in the international aisle at the market, and maybe some pitted olives as a garnish (try not to still be finding pits around the house next Easter).

In case, like my mum, you feel chips proper food, a single large piece of good cheese served simply with crackers and some elegantly arranged grapes often appears visually appealing. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon arranged there (just one sort, unless money is no object), alternatively a nice ready-made pie, like those available on deli counters at this time of year, is more filling, while you really won't fail with homestyle slices of flatbread, because they require no buttering.

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