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Throughout this holiday season, when there's so much happening which even lively people may sometimes look forward to a calm break in the new year, it is all too easy to forget things. I believe I'm not the sole person who has ever felt startled back to reality at work by a text from a friend wondering, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're absent minded, or just prone to spontaneous plans, I've got some solutions.

The Golden Rule to Successful Gatherings

Firstly, and I can't emphasize this sufficiently, if you've been planning for months versus just a quarter-hour, the greatest parties tend to be the easiest. What anyone is hoping for are engaging talks, something to drink, and sufficient food that they don't feel like gnawing their arm on the bus back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, no one expects extensive drinks, Michelin-starred food or musical performances.

The most successful parties are the most basic. Still, a theme is useful to cover up the reality you've just put the party on while coming after a long day.

Picking a Theme to Guide Your Preparations

Nevertheless, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal the fact you've just thrown the party on while returning home from work. By concept, I mean something like Christmas. Getting slightly focused (Swedish-style festivities, say, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; or fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, chilled brews and cocktails, and heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip and green spread, and upbeat tunes playing) helps direct the selection during the inevitable shopping trip.

Smart Shopping for The Party

While shopping, pick one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, one not in case others prefer not to) plus a few snacks that match the theme, and get as many within your budget, rather than fretting about providing too much choice. No thing looks more welcoming and cheerful as plenty – I'd always rather to arrive by a container full of cold bottles with competitively priced sparkling wine than one glass of fancy champagne. (Include a few bags of cubes, too; there is never sufficient ice.)

Cocktails & Party Beverages Simplified

If you must show off and serve a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a sizable amount in a container so that you're not stuck faffing around with it while you ought to be socializing. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or helper to keep an eye on the drinks then refill as necessary until it runs out. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to take on a job at a party allowing them to enjoy the positive vibes.

Regarding punch, whichever recipe you pick (they abound online), steer clear of anything excessively sweet – any kids present need separate beverages – and if you have one, put aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting them into the punch as they're unsafe for individuals who avoid alcohol entirely). Put in some work in presenting it so the soft punch doesn't seem neglected; just spend a short time to cut a few rounds of fruit for garnish.

Snacks That Delight Without Effort

In my view, I would avoid the store-bought trays with "party foods" that appear at grocery stores at this time of year; they come across as fancy, and frequently require heating things up (should you do this, be aware that everyone quietly likes toasted bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of large containers of good-quality crisps (salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no issues, one of those big and excellent value packets with nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, and maybe some pitted olives for colour (it's best to avoid to find stones in odd places in the future).

If, similar to some, you feel chips real food, one big slab of good cheese on a board alongside crackers and some beautifully placed fruit tends to seem artistic. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood arranged there (only one type, unless money is no object), or an attractive pre-made pastry, like those available at delis during festivities, is more filling, and you truly won't fail with rustic chunks of focaccia, because they don't need spreading butter.

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