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In the festive season, when there is a lot happening that the most lively individuals may occasionally long for the calm break in January, it's all too easy to neglect things. I believe I'm not the only person who's once felt jolted back to reality while at work by an inquiry by someone wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're distracted, and simply inclined toward impromptu gatherings, I have your back.

The Key to Memorable Parties

First and foremost, though I can't emphasize this enough, whether you've been planning long in advance or just a short while, the best events tend to be the most straightforward. All anyone really wants are pleasant conversation, something to drink, and sufficient to eat that guests do not end up gnawing an arm off on the bus back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates professional bartending, fancy food and entertainers.

The best parties are the easiest. However, a theme helps to mask the fact you've just thrown the party on on the way home from work.

Selecting a Style to Focus Your Shopping

That said, a theme is helpful to conceal the fact you have just put the party together on the way home from work. And with a theme, think of such as the holidays. Getting slightly more detailed (Nordic holidays, for instance, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, with traditional drink, cold beers or margaritas, along with heaps of tortilla chips, salsa & avocado dip, and Luis Miguel playing) helps direct the selection during the inevitable shopping trip.

Smart Purchasing to Support Your Gathering

At the shops, pick one or two beverages (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for others avoid alcohol) plus some nibbles that fit your concept, then get as many as you can afford, rather than worrying about offering guests too much choice. No thing looks as generous and celebratory as abundance – I'd always rather to arrive with a tub filled with iced containers with reasonably priced bubbly than a small serving of expensive champagne. (Chuck in several packs of cubes, too; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)

Drinks and Punch Streamlined

If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, then pre-mix a big quantity in a pitcher so that you aren't left faffing around with it when it's time to having fun. Once underway, ask a partner or volunteer to monitor the drinks and replenish if required until it's gone. Apply the same for the non-alcoholic punch; people love to have a role while socializing so they can enjoy some of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whichever recipe you go for (they abound on the internet), steer clear of any recipe excessively sweet – any kids there need kid-friendly options – and should you have one, put aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting them into the punch as they're inappropriate for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Put in some work with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem like an afterthought; just spend a moment to add some slices of citrus to the punch.

Nibbles That Delight Without Preparation

In my view, I'd skip the readymade assortments with "party foods" that appear in shops at this time of year; they come across as fancy, and usually require using the oven (if you choose to go this route, remember that all guests truly favors garlic bread or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several really big containers of decent crisps (simple is universally liked), plus, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of large and economical packets of mixed nuts often sold in the international aisle of supermarkets, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to find pits in your pot plants next Easter).

In case, like my mum, you feel chips substantial fare, a single sizeable chunk of good cheese served simply alongside crackers plus artfully draped fruit always looks visually appealing. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared meats or fish arranged on it (only one type, unless you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive ready-made pastry, of the type available on deli counters at this time of year, is more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong with homestyle chunks of Italian bread, since there's no need for additional preparation.

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