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During the holiday time, while there's so much happening which even vivacious individuals may occasionally long for the quiet respite of the new year, it is very easy to overlook things. I believe I'm not the only one who's ever been jolted awake at work because of an inquiry by a friend wondering, "What time do you want over tonight?" Fear not; whether you're absent minded, or just likely to make spontaneous plans, I've got some solutions.

The Key to Successful Gatherings

Firstly, though I can't stress this sufficiently, if you have organized for months or just a short while, the best events tend to be the simplest. What everyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, a drink to sip, and sufficient nibbles that guests don't feel like chewing an arm off during the ride back. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, nobody expects a full bar, Michelin-starred catering and a live band.

The most successful gatherings are the most basic. However, a concept helps to cover up the reality you have only put this thing together on the way back from the office.

Choosing a Style to Focus Your Shopping

That said, an overarching idea is helpful to hide that you've only put this thing together while returning after work. And by theme, think of such as the holidays. Going a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, say, with glögg, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood and flatbreads, folk tunes selection; alternatively Latin American celebration, with holiday punch, refreshing lagers or tequila drinks, and heaps of corn chips, spicy sauce & avocado dip, and festive music in the background) can narrow your choices during the upcoming shopping trip.

Strategic Buying for The Party

At the shops, pick a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case others don't want to) and some snacks that match your concept, then buy as much of them as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests endless options. Nothing looks as generous and as festive than abundance – I'd consistently prefer to arrive with a container full of cold bottles with competitively priced crémant or cava than a single glass of swanky bubbly. (Chuck in some bags of cubes, too; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)

Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified

If you must show off and serve a special beverage, then prepare ahead a large batch in a container so that you aren't left faffing around with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, request a partner or volunteer to keep an eye on the drinks then refill if required until it's gone. Apply the same for the soft drink; people enjoy to have a role while socializing so they can enjoy some of positive vibes.

On the punch front, whatever mix you go for (they abound on the internet), steer clear of anything too sweet – any kids present should have their own drinks – and should you have one, place flavor enhancers within reach (avoid adding them in the mix as they are inappropriate for individuals who do not consume drinks entirely). Take care with presentation so that the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; it only takes a short time to cut several pieces of lemon or orange to the punch.

Food That Shine Without Preparation

Personally, I would avoid the pre-made trays of "party foods" that pop up in shops at this time of year; they feel overly complicated, and frequently require turning the oven on (should you opt for these, remember that all guests secretly prefers toasted bread or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced you can't beat several really big dishes with decent crisps (salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no allergies, one of those large and economical containers of mixed nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, with perhaps a few pitted olives as a garnish (try not to find pits in your pot plants months later).

In case, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks real food, a single sizeable chunk of tasty cheese on a board with crackers and some beautifully placed grapes tends to seem visually appealing. A plate featuring salted or prepared meats or fish laid out on it (a single variety, unless money is no object), alternatively an attractive pre-made pie, similar to available in specialty sections seasonally, is more filling, while you really won't fail with homestyle pieces of focaccia, since they require no spreading butter.

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