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During the holiday period, when there's so much happening that the most vivacious individuals might occasionally anticipate a quiet respite of January, it's all too easy to forget things. I expect I cannot be the sole person who has once been startled awake at work because of a text by someone wondering, "What time should we come over later?" No worries; if you are forgetful, or just likely to make spontaneous invitations, I've got you covered.

The Secret to Memorable Parties

First and foremost, though I can't emphasize this enough, whether you have planned for a year or just a quarter-hour, the most enjoyable events tend to be the simplest. All everyone really wants are pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, and enough food so they don't end up gnawing their arm on the ride home. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, nobody anticipates extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering and musical performances.

The greatest parties are the simplest. That said, a concept helps to cover up the fact you've only put the event together while coming back from the office.

Picking a Theme to Guide The Party Planning

Nevertheless, a theme is helpful for disguising the fact you've only thrown the party on on the way home from work. And with a theme, I mean for example the holidays. Going slightly more detailed (Swedish-style festivities, say, featuring glögg, aromatic cocktail, fish snacks plus crispbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, with ponche navideño, chilled brews or margaritas, along with lots of corn chips, salsa and avocado dip, with upbeat tunes on the stereo) helps direct your options on the upcoming supermarket sweep.

Strategic Purchasing to Support The Event

At the shops, select a drink or two (one alcoholic for those who do, one not for some avoid alcohol) and a few appetizers that match the style, then purchase as many as you can afford, instead of fretting about giving people endless options. No thing looks as generous and celebratory as abundance – I'd consistently rather to be welcomed by a sink filled with iced containers of competitively priced sparkling wine over one glass of expensive champagne. (Include a few bags of ice, too; there is never plenty of ice.)

Beverages & Party Beverages Made Easy

If you feel the need to impress and provide a mixed drink, make sure to pre-mix a large batch in a jug so that you aren't stuck messing about with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once underway, request a close friend or helper to watch the drinks and refill as necessary until it's finished. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; people love to be given a role during gatherings so they may enjoy some of goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whichever formula you go for (you can find plenty on the internet), skip anything overly sugary – children there ought to have separate beverages – and should you own one, put flavor enhancers nearby (don't add any to the bowl since they are inappropriate for those abstaining from alcohol altogether). Make an effort with presentation so the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; it doesn't take a moment to cut a few rounds of citrus into the bowl.

Snacks That Shine With Minimal Fuss

For me, I would avoid the pre-made platters of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets seasonally; they seem fancy, and usually require using the oven (if you must go this route, be aware that all guests secretly prefers garlic bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat two really big containers with decent crisps (plain salted will offend no one), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, a package of big and excellent value packets of nuts often sold with global foods of supermarkets, and maybe a few ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover pits around the house next Easter).

If, as my mother says, you don't consider chips substantial fare, one large piece of quality cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some artfully draped grapes often appears painterly. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed on it (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome ready-made tart, similar to available in specialty sections at this time of year, proves more satisfying, and you truly won't fail with artisanal pieces of Italian bread, because they don't need additional preparation.

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