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In this festive season, while there's a lot happening which the most energetic people might occasionally look forward to a quiet break in the new year, it's all too easy to overlook details. I expect I cannot be the only one who has once been surprised back to reality at my desk because of a message by a friend wondering, "What time should we come over later?" No worries; whether you are distracted, and just prone to impromptu plans, I've got you covered.

The Secret to Memorable Get-Togethers

First and foremost, and I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have planned for a year versus just a short while, the greatest parties tend to be the simplest. What everyone expects is pleasant conversation, something to sip, and enough to eat that they don't end up chewing an arm off on the bus back. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, no one expects extensive drinks, fancy catering and musical performances.

The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. That said, a theme helps to disguise the reality you have just put the event together while coming back from the office.

Choosing a Concept to Direct Your Shopping

That said, a theme works well to conceal the fact you have only thrown this thing together on the way from the office. By concept, I mean for example the holidays. Getting a bit more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, featuring glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; or fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, and heaps of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and green spread, with Luis Miguel playing) helps direct your options on the necessary shopping trip.

Practical Purchasing for Your Party

While shopping, select a drink or two (one alcoholic for drinkers, one not for others prefer not to) and a few nibbles suited to the style, and get a generous amount as you can afford, instead of worrying about providing endless options. No thing looks as generous and celebratory than plenty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed with a container filled with iced containers of affordable crémant or cava than a small serving of expensive champagne. (Include some bags of ice, too; you'll find never sufficient ice.)

Cocktails and Punch Streamlined

Should you show off and serve a special beverage, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you're not stuck messing about with preparation while it's time to enjoying yourself. After starting, request a close friend or helper to watch the drinks then replenish as necessary till it's finished. Follow suit for the soft drink; people appreciate to have a role at a party so they may enjoy some of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whichever formula you pick (there are many online), avoid any recipe too sweet – children present need their own drinks – and if it's available, plonk flavor enhancers within reach (don't add them into the punch since they're unsafe for those who do not consume alcohol altogether). Make an effort with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel neglected; it doesn't take a minute to add several pieces of lemon or orange to the punch.

Food That Work With Minimal Preparation

For me, I would avoid the readymade assortments of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem fussy, and usually require using the oven (should you go this route, remember that all guests quietly prefers herb bread or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats several really big bowls of good-quality chips (salted will offend no one), plus, provided there are no allergies, one of those large and economical packets of nuts available with global foods in stores, and maybe some pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding pits in your pot plants months later).

If, similar to some, you feel snacks substantial fare, one big slab of good cheese on a platter with crackers plus artfully draped fruit tends to seem painterly. A plate featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out on it (only one type, unless you have a large budget), or an attractive pre-made pie, like those that appear at delis seasonally, is more substantial, while you really can't go wrong with rustic chunks of flatbread, because they don't need spreading butter.

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