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During this holiday period, when there's so much happening which the most vivacious people might occasionally look forward to the quiet break in the new year, it's very simple to forget things. I believe I'm not the only one who has once been startled awake at work by a text by a friend asking, "What time do you want us later?" No worries; if you are distracted, or simply inclined toward spontaneous plans, I've got you covered.

The Key to Great Parties

First and foremost, though I can't emphasize this sufficiently, whether you have planned for a year versus only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable events are the easiest. What anyone really wants is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, and enough nibbles so they do not feel like chewing something during the bus back. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects extensive drinks, Michelin-starred food or entertainers.

The best gatherings tend to be the most basic. Still, a theme is useful to cover up the fact you have only thrown this thing together on the way home from work.

Choosing a Concept to Focus Your Shopping

Nevertheless, an overarching idea works well for disguising that you have only thrown the party on while returning from the office. And by theme, I mean something like the holidays. Going slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring mulled wine, warm beverage, cured seafood and flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, chilled brews or cocktails, along with heaps of tortilla chips, salsa & guacamole, with festive music in the background) will focus your choices during the necessary grocery run.

Practical Buying for Your Event

While shopping, select a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, one not in case others don't want to) and a couple of snacks suited to the style, and buy as much of them as you can afford, rather than stressing over giving people a wide selection. Nothing looks more welcoming and cheerful than a bounty – I would always prefer to be welcomed by a sink full of cold bottles of affordable crémant or cava than a single glass with swanky champagne. (Include a few bags for chilling, too; there is seldom sufficient ice.)

Drinks & Punch Simplified

If you feel the need to show off and offer a mixed drink, make sure to pre-mix a large batch in a jug so you're not left faffing around with it while you ought to be socializing. Once underway, ask a partner or volunteer to watch the drinks then replenish as necessary until it's gone. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to have a role at a party so they can share in some of festive spirit.

Regarding punch, whatever recipe you pick (you can find plenty on the internet), steer clear of any recipe overly sugary – children present should have kid-friendly options – and if you have one, put flavor enhancers nearby (refrain from putting any to the bowl since they're inappropriate for those who avoid alcohol entirely). Put in some work with how it looks so the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; it only takes a minute to slice several pieces of lemon or orange into the bowl.

Nibbles That Work Without Effort

In my view, I would avoid the store-bought platters of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets at this time of year; they come across as fussy, and often involve turning the oven on (if you choose to opt for these, be aware that all guests quietly favors toasted bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top a couple of large containers with decent crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no allergies, some of those large and economical bags of nuts typically found with global foods at the market, along with some olives without stones for color (try not to discover pits around the house months later).

In case, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks real food, one sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a board alongside crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit often appears visually appealing. A serving dish featuring salted or prepared prosciutto or seafood displayed on it (a single variety, unless you're wealthy), or a nice ready-made pastry, similar to that pop up in specialty sections seasonally, is more filling, while you really won't fail with homestyle chunks of Italian bread, because there's no need for additional preparation.

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