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During this festive time, when there's plenty happening that even vivacious individuals may occasionally look forward to a quiet respite in the new year, it is very simple to neglect things. I believe I'm not the only one who's once been surprised awake while at work because of a text by someone wondering, "What time do you want us tonight?" No worries; if you're forgetful, and simply prone to impromptu invitations, I have you covered.

The Key to Great Parties

First and foremost, and I can't stress this sufficiently, if you have been planning long in advance versus just a short while, the greatest parties are the most straightforward. What anyone expects is pleasant conversation, something to enjoy, plus enough nibbles so guests don't feel like chewing something on the bus back. Unless you are Jay Gatsby, nobody anticipates a full bar, gourmet food or a live band.

The greatest gatherings tend to be the most basic. Still, a theme is useful to cover up the reality you've only put the event together while coming back from the office.

Selecting a Concept to Guide Your Shopping

Still, a theme is helpful to hide the fact you've just thrown this thing on while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean something like a seasonal celebration. Going a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with spiced drink, warm beverage, smoked fish plus crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; or Latin American celebration, including holiday punch, cold beers and margaritas, along with heaps of tortilla chips, tomato dip & green spread, with festive music on the stereo) will focus the selection during the necessary supermarket sweep.

Practical Purchasing for Your Gathering

At the shops, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not in case some avoid alcohol) and some snacks suited to the theme, then purchase as much of them as possible, rather than worrying about offering guests a wide selection. Nothing appears more abundant and cheerful as a bounty – I'd always rather to be welcomed with a sink full of chilled bottles of reasonably priced bubbly over a small serving with expensive champagne. (Chuck in some bags of cubes, as well; there is never enough ice.)

Drinks & Punch Streamlined

Should you show off and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so that you're not stuck busying yourself with preparation when it's time to enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, ask a significant other or helper to watch it and replenish when needed till it's finished. Do the same for the alcohol-free option; people love to be given a role during gatherings allowing them to share in the positive vibes.

Regarding punch, whatever recipe you pick (they abound on the internet), avoid anything overly sugary – children there need kid-friendly options – and should you have one, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (refrain from putting any to the bowl as they are unsafe for individuals abstaining from alcohol altogether). Put in some work in presenting it so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a short time to cut some slices of fruit to the punch.

Nibbles That Work Without Effort

In my view, I would avoid the readymade trays with "party foods" available at grocery stores at this time of year; they feel fancy, and often involve turning the oven on (if you must opt for these, remember that everyone secretly favors garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat two sizable dishes with decent snacks (plain salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no issues, one of those great-value bags of mixed nuts often sold in the South Asian section at the market, along with a few pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to find stones in odd places next Easter).

If, similar to some, you think snacks proper food, one large piece of good cheese served simply alongside crackers plus artfully draped grapes often appears artistic. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish laid out there (a single variety, except if money is no object), alternatively a handsome store-bought tart, of the type that appear on deli counters at this time of year, is more filling, and you really can't go wrong by serving artisanal pieces of Italian bread, because they don't need spreading butter.

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