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In the holiday season, while there's plenty happening which even energetic people might occasionally look forward to a quiet break in January, it's very easy to overlook things. I believe I'm not the only one who has ever been startled back to reality while at my desk because of a message by a friend wondering, "What time should we come over tonight?" Don't worry; if you are forgetful, or just likely to make last-minute plans, I have you covered.

The Secret to Great Parties

Above all, though I can't emphasize it sufficiently, if you have planned long in advance versus only a short while, the greatest events tend to be the easiest. What everyone really wants are pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, plus enough food that they do not end up gnawing their arm on the ride back. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates professional bartending, gourmet food or a live band.

The best gatherings tend to be the easiest. However, a concept helps to cover up the reality you've just thrown the party together on the way back from the office.

Picking a Style to Focus Your Party Planning

Still, a theme works well to conceal the fact you've only thrown the party on while returning home from work. And by theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, for instance, with glögg, spiced punch, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Nordic beats playlist; or fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, cold beers and cocktails, along with lots of corn chips, tomato dip & guacamole, and festive music on the stereo) will focus your options on the upcoming shopping trip.

Strategic Purchasing for The Gathering

At the shops, choose a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not in case others avoid alcohol) plus a few appetizers that fit the style, then buy a generous amount within your budget, instead of fretting about offering guests endless options. Nothing looks as generous and cheerful than plenty – I would always rather to enter by a sink filled with iced containers with affordable sparkling wine over one glass with expensive champagne. (Add some bags of ice, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)

Cocktails & Punch Streamlined

If you must show off and offer a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a big quantity in a container so you aren't stuck busying yourself with preparation while you should be socializing. After starting, enlist a significant other or helper to keep an eye on it then replenish as necessary until it's finished. Apply the same with the non-alcoholic punch; people love to have a task at a party allowing them to enjoy a share of goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you pick (they abound on the internet), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – children present ought to have kid-friendly options – and if it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters within reach (avoid adding any to the bowl since they are unsafe for those abstaining from alcohol altogether). Take care with how it looks so the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived neglected; just spend a short time to slice some slices of citrus into the bowl.

Nibbles That Delight Without Fuss

For me, I would avoid the readymade trays of "party foods" that pop up at grocery stores seasonally; they feel fussy, and often involve turning the oven on (if you must opt for these, know that everyone secretly likes garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats two really big dishes of decent chips (simple will offend no one), and, assuming no allergies, some of those great-value packets of mixed nuts often sold with global foods at the market, along with a few olives without stones for colour (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones in odd places months later).

If, as my mother says, you think crisps substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of good cheese on a board and crispbreads plus artfully draped fruit always looks painterly. A plate with some cured or cooked salami or salmon arranged on it (a single variety, except if you're wealthy), or a handsome pre-made tart, similar to available in specialty sections seasonally, proves more filling, and you truly won't fail by serving artisanal chunks of focaccia, since they don't need buttering.

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