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In the busy period, while there's a lot going on which the most lively people may occasionally anticipate the quiet break of January, it is very simple to neglect things. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who has ever been startled awake at my desk because of a text by someone asking, "What time should we come us later?" No worries; if you are absent minded, and just prone to spontaneous plans, I have some solutions.

The Key to Great Gatherings

First and foremost, though I can't emphasize it enough, if you've organized long in advance versus just a quarter-hour, the best events tend to be the most straightforward. What everyone expects are a good chat, something to sip, plus enough to eat that guests don't end up chewing their arm on the ride home. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, no one expects professional bartending, gourmet food or musical performances.

The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. However, a theme helps to mask the reality you have only put the party together while coming home from work.

Selecting a Theme to Focus Your Shopping

Still, a theme can be useful for disguising that you have only thrown this thing together on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of for example Christmas. Going a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, say, with spiced drink, warm beverage, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Nordic beats playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including holiday punch, chilled brews or cocktails, and lots of corn chips, salsa and guacamole, with Luis Miguel playing) helps direct your options on the upcoming grocery run.

Strategic Buying for Your Event

In the store, select a drink or two (one alcoholic if you drink, one not in case others avoid alcohol) and a couple of appetizers that fit the style, then buy as much of them within your budget, instead of worrying about giving people endless options. Nothing looks more abundant and cheerful as abundance – I'd always rather to arrive by a container stocked with iced containers of reasonably priced crémant or cava over one glass of swanky bubbly. (Chuck in several packs for chilling, as well; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)

Cocktails & Party Beverages Simplified

If you feel the need to show off and offer a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a sizable amount in a jug so you aren't left messing about with preparation while you ought to be socializing. Once the party begins, request a partner or friend to monitor the drinks then top up if required till it runs out. Do the same with the soft drink; guests enjoy to have a role at a party allowing them to experience the goodwill.

On the punch front, whichever recipe you pick (you can find plenty online), skip any recipe overly sugary – children there ought to have separate beverages – and should you own one, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (avoid adding any in the mix since they are inappropriate for those who do not consume alcohol entirely). Take care with how it looks so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a short time to add several pieces of lemon or orange into the bowl.

Food That Work Without Effort

Personally, I recommend passing on the pre-made trays with "party foods" available in shops during the holidays; they come across as overly complicated, and often require heating things up (if you choose to do this, be aware that everyone quietly favors herb bread or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats two large dishes of good-quality crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no issues, one of those big and excellent value containers of nuts available in the international aisle in stores, along with a few pitted olives for color (try not to discover stones around the house months later).

If, as my mother says, you think chips real food, one sizeable chunk of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads plus artfully draped grapes always looks painterly. A plate featuring salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood laid out on it (just one sort, unless you're wealthy), alternatively a nice store-bought pie, like those that pop up on deli counters during festivities, is more substantial, while you really won't fail with rustic slices of flatbread, since they require no buttering.

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