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During this holiday period, while there is a lot going on that the most energetic people may sometimes look forward to the calm break of January, it is very simple to forget things. I believe I cannot be the sole one who has once felt startled back to reality at my desk because of an inquiry by someone asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" No worries; if you are distracted, and just prone to spontaneous plans, I've got your back.

The Secret to Great Get-Togethers

Firstly, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, if you've been planning long in advance versus only a short while, the most enjoyable parties are the simplest. What everyone expects is pleasant conversation, something to drink, and sufficient nibbles that they don't end up gnawing something during the ride home. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates a full bar, gourmet food and a live band.

The greatest gatherings are the easiest. That said, a theme helps to mask the reality you have only put this thing together while coming back from the office.

Selecting a Theme to Focus The Preparations

Nevertheless, an overarching idea is helpful for disguising that you have only thrown this thing together on the way from the office. And by theme, I mean something like the holidays. Going a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring spiced drink, warm beverage, fish snacks and flatbreads, Scandinavian music selection; or fiesta-style party, including ponche navideño, chilled brews and cocktails, along with plenty of tortilla chips, salsa and green spread, with upbeat tunes playing) can narrow your choices on the necessary shopping trip.

Practical Purchasing to Support The Event

While shopping, pick one or two beverages (one alcoholic if you drink, one not for others don't want to) and a couple of snacks that match the theme, and purchase as many within your budget, instead of worrying about offering guests endless options. Nothing looks more welcoming and cheerful as abundance – I'd always prefer to be welcomed with a sink full of cold bottles with competitively priced crémant or cava over a small serving with expensive champagne. (Include some bags of ice, too; you'll find never enough ice.)

Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Made Easy

Should you impress and offer a mixed drink, then pre-mix a large batch in a pitcher so that you aren't left messing about with drinks when it's time to socializing. After starting, request a close friend or volunteer to keep an eye on it then refill when needed till it's gone. Follow suit with the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to be given a task while socializing so they can share in some of goodwill.

On the punch front, whichever formula you go for (you can find plenty via search), steer clear of anything overly sugary – children there need separate beverages – and should it's available, plonk flavor enhancers close by (don't add any to the bowl as they're not suitable for those abstaining from drinks altogether). Take care with presentation so the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; just spend a short time to slice some slices of fruit to the punch.

Snacks That Work Without Effort

For me, I would avoid the pre-made assortments of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets seasonally; they feel overly complicated, and usually involve turning the oven on (if you must go this route, remember that everyone secretly likes garlic bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced it's hard to top several really big containers with decent chips (salted is universally liked), and, provided there are no allergies, some of those great-value bags of mixed nuts available in the international aisle in stores, and maybe a few pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to discover stones around the house months later).

If, similar to some, you don't consider snacks real food, a single big slab of quality cheese on a board with crackers and some elegantly arranged fruit often appears painterly. A platter featuring cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood arranged there (just one sort, unless money is no object), or a nice pre-made tart, like those available on deli counters seasonally, proves more satisfying, while you really won't fail with homestyle slices of flatbread, since they require no spreading butter.

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