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During this holiday time, while there is a lot happening that the most energetic individuals may sometimes long for a quiet break in the new year, it's very easy to neglect things. I'm sure I cannot be the sole one who has ever been jolted back to reality while at work because of a text from a friend asking, "What time do you want us later?" Fear not; whether you are absent minded, or simply prone to last-minute plans, I have you covered.

The Key to Successful Parties

Firstly, and I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, whether you've planned long in advance or only a short while, the best parties tend to be the easiest. What everyone really wants is pleasant conversation, a drink to drink, plus enough nibbles so they do not end up gnawing something on the bus home. Unless you are throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects extensive drinks, Michelin-starred catering and a live band.

The most successful parties are the most basic. However, an idea is useful to cover up the reality you've only put this thing together while coming after a long day.

Picking a Concept to Focus Your Preparations

Still, a theme can be useful to hide that you have just thrown this thing on while returning after work. And by theme, I mean something like a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit more detailed (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, warm beverage, fish snacks plus flatbreads, Nordic beats playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including ponche navideño, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, and heaps of corn chips, tomato dip and guacamole, with Luis Miguel on the stereo) can narrow your choices during the necessary grocery run.

Strategic Purchasing to Support The Gathering

While shopping, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option for drinkers, one not for some avoid alcohol) and a couple of snacks that fit your concept, then get a generous amount as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests too much choice. Nothing looks as generous and cheerful than a bounty – I would always rather to enter with a tub stocked with cold bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine than one glass of fancy bubbly. (Include some bags of cubes, too; you'll find never enough ice.)

Drinks and Punch Made Easy

Should you show off and provide a mixed drink, then pre-mix a big quantity in a container so you're not stuck faffing around with preparation when you should be enjoying yourself. After starting, request a partner or volunteer to watch it and top up as necessary until it runs out. Follow suit with the soft drink; people enjoy to be given a job during gatherings so they can experience some of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whichever recipe you go for (there are many online), avoid any recipe excessively sweet – children there need their own drinks – and if it's available, plonk a bottle of bitters nearby (refrain from putting any to the bowl since they're not suitable for individuals who avoid alcohol entirely). Make an effort with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a moment to cut some slices of citrus for garnish.

Snacks That Work Without Effort

In my view, I recommend passing on the store-bought trays with "party foods" available at grocery stores at this time of year; they seem fussy, and frequently involve using the oven (should you opt for these, remember that everyone secretly favors herb bread and/or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion you can't beat several really big bowls with tasty chips (salted pleases everyone), plus, provided there are no allergies, a package of large and economical packets of nuts often sold in the South Asian section of supermarkets, with perhaps a few pitted olives for colour (it's best to avoid to find pits in odd places months later).

In case, as my mother says, you think crisps real food, one sizeable chunk of good cheese served simply and crispbreads plus elegantly arranged fruit tends to seem artistic. A serving dish featuring cured or cooked salami or salmon displayed there (just one sort, except if money is no object), or a handsome pre-made pastry, like those available in specialty sections seasonally, is even more satisfying, and you truly will succeed by serving artisanal chunks of focaccia, since they don't need spreading butter.

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