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In this festive period, when there's a lot going on that even lively individuals may occasionally look forward to a quiet break in the new year, it is very easy to neglect details. I believe I'm not the sole one who's once been jolted awake at my desk because of an inquiry from someone wondering, "What time are we expected us later?" Fear not; whether you are distracted, or simply likely to make impromptu plans, I've got some solutions.

The Key to Memorable Get-Togethers

First and foremost, though I can't stress this enough, whether you have organized long in advance versus just a short while, the greatest parties are the simplest. What everyone is hoping for are pleasant conversation, something to drink, and sufficient nibbles so guests don't feel like gnawing an arm off on the bus back. If you're not you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects a full bar, fancy food and musical performances.

The most successful parties are the simplest. That said, a concept helps to cover up the fact you've just thrown the party together while coming home from work.

Selecting a Style to Guide Your Shopping

Still, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you have just put the party together while returning after work. And with a theme, think of something like Christmas. Getting a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Nordic beats selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with holiday punch, chilled brews or cocktails, and lots of corn chips, tomato dip & avocado dip, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) can narrow your choices during the inevitable shopping trip.

Strategic Buying to Support The Party

In the store, select a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case others prefer not to) plus a couple of appetizers suited to your concept, and get a generous amount as you can afford, rather than fretting about offering guests endless options. Nothing looks more abundant and cheerful than abundance – I would always rather to be welcomed by a sink stocked with cold bottles of affordable sparkling wine than one glass with swanky champagne. (Chuck in some bags for chilling, too; you'll find never enough ice.)

Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined

Should you demonstrate skills and serve a special beverage, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a container so you're not left busying yourself with preparation while you should be enjoying yourself. Once underway, ask a partner or helper to monitor it and replenish when needed till it's finished. Do the same for the soft drink; guests enjoy to be given a role while socializing allowing them to experience some of goodwill.

Regarding punch, whatever recipe you go for (you can find plenty online), steer clear of any recipe excessively sweet – young ones present should have kid-friendly options – and should you own one, plonk aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding any in the mix as they are unsafe for people who avoid drinks entirely). Make an effort with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a minute to cut some slices of lemon or orange into the bowl.

Food That Delight With Minimal Fuss

In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade assortments with "party foods" that appear in shops during the holidays; they seem fancy, and usually require heating things up (if you must do this, know that everyone secretly favors toasted bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). I truly believe nothing beats several sizable bowls of good-quality snacks (salted is universally liked), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical packets of nuts typically found in the international aisle at the market, and maybe some pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to discover stones around the house next Easter).

If, as my mother says, you think chips real food, a single large piece of good cheese on a board with crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears visually appealing. A plate with some cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood arranged on it (a single variety, except if money is no object), or an attractive store-bought pie, of the type that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong with homestyle pieces of focaccia, since they don't need spreading butter.

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