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Throughout this busy time, when there's a lot going on which even lively people may occasionally long for the calm respite of January, it is very easy to forget things. I'm sure I cannot be the sole person who's ever been surprised back to reality while at my desk because of a text by someone asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Fear not; whether you are distracted, or simply prone to spontaneous gatherings, I've got you covered.

The Secret to Successful Get-Togethers

First and foremost, though I can't emphasize it sufficiently, whether you've been planning long in advance or only a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the simplest. What anyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, and sufficient nibbles so guests do not feel like chewing their arm during the ride back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects a full bar, gourmet food or entertainers.

The greatest parties are the most basic. That said, a concept is useful to cover up the reality you've only thrown this thing together on the way home from work.

Choosing a Theme to Focus The Party Planning

Nevertheless, an overarching idea can be useful to conceal the fact you've just put the party together while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean something like the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, fish snacks plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; or fiesta-style party, including traditional drink, chilled brews and tequila drinks, and lots of corn chips, salsa and green spread, with festive music in the background) can narrow your options on the necessary shopping trip.

Smart Buying to Support Your Gathering

While shopping, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for some don't want to) and some snacks that fit your concept, then buy as many within your budget, instead of fretting about providing too much choice. No thing appears more abundant and cheerful than plenty – I'd always prefer to arrive by a tub full of iced containers of affordable crémant or cava than one glass with expensive champagne. (Include several packs of ice, too; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)

Drinks & Punch Made Easy

If you must demonstrate skills and serve a cocktail, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a container so you aren't stuck faffing around with it while you ought to be socializing. Once the party begins, ask a partner or helper to watch it and top up if required till it runs out. Do the same with the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to be given a job at a party allowing them to enjoy some of goodwill.

Regarding punch, whatever formula you pick (they abound on the internet), avoid anything overly sugary – young ones present ought to have their own drinks – and if it's available, place a bottle of bitters within reach (refrain from putting any into the punch since they're unsafe for individuals abstaining from drinks entirely). Take care with presentation so the soft punch doesn't feel like an afterthought; just spend a minute to slice some slices of citrus to the punch.

Nibbles That Delight Without Effort

For me, I recommend passing on the store-bought trays of "party foods" available at grocery stores at this time of year; they feel fancy, and often require heating things up (if you must do this, remember that all guests secretly favors garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat a couple of sizable bowls of good-quality snacks (simple pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no issues, one of those large and economical bags of mixed nuts available in the international aisle of supermarkets, and maybe a few ready-to-eat olives for color (you don't want to discover pits in odd places months later).

If, similar to some, you feel chips proper food, a single large piece of tasty cheese served simply and crispbreads plus beautifully placed fruit often appears artistic. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared meats or fish displayed on it (a single variety, except if you have a large budget), or a nice store-bought pie, of the type available at delis seasonally, proves more substantial, while you really can't go wrong by serving homestyle pieces of focaccia, because they require no buttering.

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