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Throughout this festive season, while there is so much going on which even vivacious individuals might occasionally look forward to the calm respite in January, it's all too easy to overlook details. I believe I cannot be the only one who has once felt startled back to reality at work by an inquiry by a friend asking, "What time are we expected us tonight?" No worries; if you are absent minded, and simply prone to impromptu invitations, I have your back.

The Key to Successful Parties

First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize it sufficiently, if you've organized for a year or only a quarter-hour, the best parties are the most straightforward. What anyone is hoping for are a good chat, something to enjoy, and sufficient to eat that guests don't end up chewing an arm off during the bus back. Unless you're a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates a full bar, fancy catering and musical performances.

The best gatherings are the simplest. That said, an idea helps to mask the reality you have just put the event together on the way back from the office.

Choosing a Style to Focus The Shopping

Nevertheless, an overarching idea can be useful for disguising the fact you've only put the party on on the way from the office. And by theme, think of for example Christmas. Getting a bit focused (Nordic holidays, say, with mulled wine, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish plus crispbreads, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including holiday punch, cold beers and tequila drinks, along with plenty of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and avocado dip, and upbeat tunes on the stereo) will focus your choices during the inevitable shopping trip.

Practical Buying for The Event

While shopping, pick a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case others prefer not to) plus a few snacks that fit your concept, then buy as much of them as possible, instead of stressing over giving people too much choice. No thing appears more abundant and celebratory than plenty – I'd consistently rather to arrive with a sink full of cold bottles with reasonably priced crémant or cava than one glass with fancy champagne. (Include some bags of cubes, as well; you'll find never enough ice.)

Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined

If you must impress and serve a cocktail, then mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so you aren't left faffing around with preparation while it's time to socializing. After starting, request a close friend or helper to monitor the drinks then top up when needed till it runs out. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests enjoy to take on a task at a party so they can enjoy the goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you go for (you can find plenty on the internet), avoid anything overly sugary – any kids there need kid-friendly options – and if it's available, place a bottle of bitters close by (refrain from putting any into the punch since they're unsafe for individuals who do not consume drinks altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so that the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a minute to cut some slices of fruit for garnish.

Nibbles That Delight Without Fuss

In my view, I'd skip the readymade platters of "party foods" available in supermarkets during the holidays; they feel overly complicated, and usually require turning the oven on (should you go this route, remember that all guests truly favors herb bread or small hot dogs regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat a couple of large bowls of good-quality crisps (plain salted is universally liked), plus, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets of nuts often sold with global foods of supermarkets, with perhaps some olives without stones as a garnish (try not to still be finding stones around the house months later).

If, similar to some, you think crisps proper food, one big slab of good cheese served simply and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged fruit often appears artistic. A plate featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed on it (just one sort, unless money is no object), or an attractive ready-made pie, of the type available in specialty sections seasonally, is even more filling, and you truly won't fail by serving artisanal pieces of Italian bread, because they don't need buttering.

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