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In the holiday time, when there's so much happening which even energetic people might sometimes long for a calm break in the new year, it's very easy to neglect things. I expect I'm not the sole person who has ever felt surprised back to reality while at work because of an inquiry from a friend wondering, "What time do you want us later?" Fear not; if you are forgetful, and simply likely to make spontaneous invitations, I've got you covered.

The Golden Rule to Successful Get-Togethers

Firstly, and I cannot emphasize this sufficiently, if you've planned for months or only a short while, the most enjoyable events tend to be the simplest. All everyone expects are engaging talks, a drink to enjoy, and sufficient food so guests don't end up chewing something on the bus back. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one expects a full bar, fancy catering and entertainers.

The best parties tend to be the most basic. Still, an idea helps to disguise the fact you have just put the event on on the way back from the office.

Picking a Theme to Focus The Shopping

Nevertheless, an overarching idea works well to hide that you've just put this thing on on the way home from work. By concept, I mean something like the holidays. Going slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, with glögg, spiced punch, smoked fish and flatbreads, Nordic beats selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with traditional drink, refreshing lagers or cocktails, and lots of tortilla chips, tomato dip and green spread, and festive music in the background) helps direct the selection during the necessary shopping trip.

Strategic Buying for Your Event

In the store, choose a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for some prefer not to) plus a few snacks suited to the theme, and purchase as many within your budget, rather than fretting about giving people a wide selection. Nothing looks more welcoming and as festive than plenty – I'd always prefer to enter with a sink stocked with iced containers with reasonably priced crémant or cava than a small serving with fancy bubbly. (Add several packs for chilling, as well; you'll find never enough ice.)

Drinks and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified

If you must show off and serve a mixed drink, then pre-mix a large batch in a jug so that you aren't left messing about with preparation while you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or helper to monitor the drinks and replenish if required till it's finished. Follow suit for the non-alcoholic punch; guests love to have a task at a party so they can enjoy the goodwill.

Regarding punch, whichever mix you go for (you can find plenty via search), avoid any recipe too sweet – any kids there should have kid-friendly options – and should you have one, put flavor enhancers nearby (avoid adding any into the punch since they are not suitable for individuals who avoid drinks entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so that the soft punch doesn't seem like an afterthought; just spend a minute to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange for garnish.

Snacks That Shine With Minimal Fuss

For me, I recommend passing on the pre-made trays of "party foods" available at grocery stores seasonally; they seem overly complicated, and usually require turning the oven on (if you must do this, remember that everyone truly prefers garlic bread and/or mini sausages regardless). I truly believe it's hard to top several really big dishes of good-quality chips (plain salted is universally liked), plus, assuming no allergies, a package of great-value containers of nuts available with global foods in stores, and maybe some olives without stones for color (you don't want to discover pits in your pot plants months later).

If, as my mother says, you feel snacks substantial fare, one sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a board and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes always looks painterly. A plate featuring salted or prepared meats or fish arranged on it (only one type, except if you have a large budget), or an attractive store-bought tart, like those that pop up at delis during festivities, is more substantial, and you really can't go wrong with homestyle slices of Italian bread, because there's no need for buttering.

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