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During this busy season, while there's plenty going on that even energetic individuals might sometimes anticipate the calm respite of January, it is all too simple to overlook things. I'm sure I cannot be the only one who has once been startled awake while at work by a text from someone asking, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Fear not; if you're absent minded, or just inclined toward spontaneous gatherings, I have you covered.

The Key to Successful Gatherings

Above all, though I cannot emphasize it enough, if you've planned for a year or only a short while, the most enjoyable parties are the most straightforward. All anyone expects is a good chat, a drink to sip, plus enough to eat so they don't feel like chewing their arm during the bus back. If you're not you are Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates professional bartending, gourmet catering or musical performances.

The greatest parties are the easiest. Still, an idea helps to mask the reality you've just put the party together while coming back from the office.

Picking a Theme to Direct Your Shopping

Still, an overarching idea is helpful to conceal the fact you have just put the party together on the way home from work. And by theme, think of for example Christmas. Getting a bit more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, cured seafood plus rye crackers, Scandinavian music selection; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including ponche navideño, cold beers and cocktails, along with heaps of snacks, tomato dip and green spread, with Luis Miguel playing) helps direct your choices during the necessary grocery run.

Smart Shopping for Your Party

At the shops, choose a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) and some appetizers that match the style, and buy a generous amount within your budget, rather than fretting about providing too much choice. Nothing looks as generous and as festive as plenty – I'd consistently rather to be welcomed by a container full of chilled bottles with affordable crémant or cava than a small serving with fancy champagne. (Add some bags of cubes, too; there is never plenty of ice.)

Beverages & Punch Simplified

If you must impress and provide a special beverage, then pre-mix a large batch in a container so that you're not stuck messing about with drinks while it's time to having fun. After starting, enlist a close friend or helper to monitor the drinks then top up as necessary until it's gone. Do the same for the non-alcoholic punch; people enjoy to have a task at a party so they may enjoy some of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whatever formula you choose (there are many online), avoid any recipe too sweet – any kids there should have kid-friendly options – and should it's available, place a bottle of bitters nearby (refrain from putting any in the mix since they are unsafe for individuals who avoid drinks altogether). Put in some work with presentation so that the alcohol-free drink doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to add several pieces of citrus to the punch.

Snacks That Work Without Preparation

For me, I would avoid the store-bought assortments with "party foods" that pop up in shops seasonally; they feel fancy, and usually involve heating things up (should you do this, remember that everyone secretly prefers toasted bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several large containers of decent chips (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no issues, some of those large and economical containers of nuts available in the South Asian section in stores, along with some pitted olives as a garnish (try not to find stones around the house months later).

If, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks substantial fare, a single large piece of tasty cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged fruit tends to seem painterly. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon laid out on it (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), alternatively a handsome pre-made tart, like those that pop up at delis at this time of year, is more substantial, and you really can't go wrong with rustic pieces of Italian bread, because there's no need for spreading butter.

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