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Throughout this busy period, when there is plenty happening that even lively individuals might occasionally anticipate a calm respite of January, it's all too easy to forget things. I believe I cannot be the only one who's ever felt startled back to reality while at my desk because of a message from a friend asking, "What time are we expected over later?" Don't worry; if you're forgetful, or simply inclined toward spontaneous plans, I've got some solutions.

The Secret to Great Gatherings

First and foremost, though I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have organized for months versus just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties are the simplest. What anyone really wants are engaging talks, a drink to sip, plus enough food so guests do not end up gnawing something during the bus home. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, fancy food or entertainers.

The greatest parties are the most basic. However, a concept helps to disguise the reality you've only thrown the event on on the way back from the office.

Selecting a Theme to Direct Your Shopping

Still, an overarching idea is helpful to hide the fact you've just put the party on on the way home from work. And with a theme, I mean something like a seasonal celebration. Going slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring glögg, spiced punch, cured seafood and crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or Mexican Christmas, with ponche navideño, chilled brews and cocktails, along with heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip and avocado dip, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) will focus the selection on the necessary grocery run.

Smart Purchasing for The Event

At the shops, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case others prefer not to) plus some appetizers that fit your concept, and get a generous amount as you can afford, instead of stressing over providing too much choice. No thing appears more abundant and cheerful than plenty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed with a container full of chilled bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine over a small serving with swanky bubbly. (Chuck in several packs for chilling, too; you'll find never sufficient ice.)

Cocktails & Party Beverages Simplified

If you must demonstrate skills and provide a cocktail, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a container so you're not stuck messing about with it when it's time to having fun. Once underway, enlist a partner or friend to watch it and refill if required till it's gone. Do the same for the soft drink; guests enjoy to be given a job at a party so they may enjoy some of positive vibes.

For large-batch drinks, whatever recipe you go for (you can find plenty online), steer clear of any recipe too sweet – young ones there need kid-friendly options – and should you own one, place aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting any into the punch since they are inappropriate for those who avoid alcohol altogether). Take care with presentation so that the soft punch doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a short time to add a few rounds of citrus to the punch.

Snacks That Work With Minimal Effort

For me, I would avoid the pre-made assortments of "party foods" that appear in shops at this time of year; they feel fussy, and usually require using the oven (should you do this, remember that all guests truly prefers herb bread or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat a couple of really big dishes with good-quality crisps (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of great-value containers of mixed nuts available in the international aisle at the market, along with a few pitted olives for colour (you don't want to still be finding pits in your pot plants next Easter).

If, as my mother says, you feel snacks substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of good cheese served simply alongside crackers plus artfully draped fruit always looks artistic. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon arranged there (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or an attractive pre-made pie, similar to that pop up at delis seasonally, proves more satisfying, and you really won't fail by serving rustic chunks of flatbread, because they don't need spreading butter.

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