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In this busy time, while there is a lot going on that the most energetic individuals might sometimes look forward to the quiet break in January, it is all too easy to neglect things. I'm sure I'm not the only person who has ever felt jolted back to reality while at my desk because of a message from someone wondering, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Don't worry; if you're absent minded, or simply prone to spontaneous gatherings, I've got some solutions.

The Key to Successful Get-Togethers

First and foremost, and I can't stress this enough, if you've organized for months versus just 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the simplest. All anyone really wants are engaging talks, something to enjoy, plus sufficient nibbles that they don't end up chewing something during the bus back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates a full bar, gourmet catering and musical performances.

The best gatherings are the easiest. However, an idea is useful to disguise the reality you've only put the event on while coming back from the office.

Choosing a Theme to Focus Your Party Planning

Nevertheless, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you have only put this thing on while returning after work. And with a theme, think of for example Christmas. Getting a bit more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring glögg, spiced punch, fish snacks and flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; or Latin American celebration, including ponche navideño, refreshing lagers and cocktails, along with lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and green spread, with festive music in the background) helps direct your options on the upcoming supermarket sweep.

Smart Shopping for Your Party

While shopping, pick one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not in case others prefer not to) plus some appetizers that fit your concept, and purchase a generous amount as possible, rather than fretting about giving people a wide selection. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory as abundance – I'd consistently prefer to enter with a tub filled with chilled bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine over a single glass with expensive bubbly. (Include a few bags of cubes, too; there is seldom plenty of ice.)

Cocktails and Party Beverages Made Easy

If you feel the need to impress and serve a mixed drink, then pre-mix a large batch in a container so you're not stuck faffing around with preparation while it's time to socializing. Once the party begins, enlist a close friend or helper to keep an eye on it then top up as necessary until it runs out. Do the same with the alcohol-free option; guests love to take on a task during gatherings so they can experience a share of festive spirit.

Regarding punch, whichever formula you pick (there are many via search), avoid anything excessively sweet – any kids there need their own drinks – and if it's available, put flavor enhancers within reach (don't add any to the bowl since they're inappropriate for those abstaining from drinks entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so that the soft punch doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a short time to cut a few rounds of fruit to the punch.

Food That Shine With Minimal Effort

Personally, I'd skip the store-bought assortments with "party foods" that appear in shops seasonally; they come across as fancy, and often involve heating things up (should you go this route, be aware that all guests truly prefers herb bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of large containers with decent snacks (plain salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical packets of nuts available with global foods in stores, with perhaps a few pitted olives for colour (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones in odd places months later).

If, like my mum, you feel crisps proper food, one large piece of good cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged fruit tends to seem visually appealing. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon displayed there (just one sort, except if you're wealthy), alternatively an attractive pre-made tart, of the type that appear in specialty sections seasonally, proves more filling, while you really won't fail with homestyle chunks of focaccia, because there's no need for spreading butter.

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