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During this festive period, while there's so much going on which even vivacious individuals may occasionally long for the quiet break of January, it's very easy to forget details. I'm sure I'm not the only person who's once felt jolted back to reality at work because of a text from a friend wondering, "What time should we come us later?" Fear not; if you are absent minded, and just prone to impromptu invitations, I have you covered.

The Key to Memorable Get-Togethers

Firstly, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have organized long in advance or only 15 minutes, the greatest events tend to be the simplest. All everyone really wants is engaging talks, a drink to enjoy, plus sufficient nibbles that guests don't end up gnawing an arm off during the ride back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, no one anticipates professional bartending, fancy catering or musical performances.

The most successful parties are the easiest. That said, a theme is useful to disguise the fact you've only put the party together on the way home from work.

Choosing a Theme to Direct The Preparations

That said, an overarching idea works well for disguising the fact you have only thrown the party together while returning home from work. By concept, think of for example the holidays. Going slightly more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, fish snacks and crispbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, chilled brews and cocktails, and plenty of corn chips, spicy sauce and guacamole, with festive music in the background) helps direct the selection during the inevitable grocery run.

Practical Purchasing for The Event

In the store, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case others don't want to) plus a couple of appetizers that fit your concept, then buy as many as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests too much choice. No thing appears more welcoming and celebratory as plenty – I would consistently rather to arrive with a tub stocked with iced containers of competitively priced crémant or cava than one glass of fancy bubbly. (Chuck in several packs for chilling, as well; there is never enough ice.)

Cocktails & Punch Streamlined

If you must demonstrate skills and provide a special beverage, then pre-mix a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you aren't stuck busying yourself with preparation when you ought to be socializing. Once underway, request a partner or helper to keep an eye on it then refill as necessary until it's gone. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; guests appreciate to be given a task during gatherings so they can experience the festive spirit.

On the punch front, whichever mix you go for (they abound on the internet), skip anything too sweet – any kids there should have separate beverages – and should you have one, plonk a bottle of bitters close by (avoid adding any into the punch since they are not suitable for individuals abstaining from drinks altogether). Take care in presenting it so the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; it doesn't take a short time to add a few rounds of lemon or orange into the bowl.

Food That Delight With Minimal Preparation

For me, I recommend passing on the pre-made assortments with "party foods" available in supermarkets seasonally; they come across as fussy, and usually require turning the oven on (if you choose to go this route, know that everyone secretly prefers garlic bread or cocktail sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of really big containers of tasty snacks (simple pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, some of those big and excellent value containers of mixed nuts often sold in the South Asian section at the market, with perhaps some pitted olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to still be finding stones in odd places in the future).

If, as my mother says, you don't consider chips substantial fare, one big slab of tasty cheese served simply and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged fruit always looks visually appealing. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish displayed there (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or a nice ready-made tart, like those available in specialty sections seasonally, proves more substantial, and you truly won't fail with rustic pieces of focaccia, because they require no spreading butter.

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