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In this holiday period, when there's a lot happening which even lively people may sometimes long for a calm respite of January, it's very easy to forget details. I believe I'm not the only person who has once felt startled back to reality while at work by an inquiry from a friend asking, "What time should we come over tonight?" Don't worry; if you're forgetful, and just likely to make last-minute plans, I've got your back.

The Secret to Memorable Get-Togethers

Firstly, and I can't emphasize it enough, if you've been planning long in advance or only a quarter-hour, the greatest parties are the easiest. What everyone really wants is a good chat, something to sip, plus sufficient food that they don't feel like gnawing an arm off on the ride home. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, nobody expects professional bartending, Michelin-starred food or musical performances.

The greatest parties tend to be the simplest. However, a concept helps to disguise the fact you have just thrown this thing together while coming home from work.

Choosing a Concept to Direct Your Party Planning

That said, a theme is helpful to conceal the fact you've just thrown the party together on the way home from work. By concept, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly more specific (Nordic holidays, say, featuring glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood and rye crackers, Nordic beats selection; or Mexican Christmas, including traditional drink, cold beers or cocktails, and heaps of corn chips, salsa & avocado dip, and Luis Miguel playing) will focus your choices on the upcoming grocery run.

Smart Purchasing for Your Event

In the store, select a drink or two (an alcoholic option if you drink, a non-alcoholic one in case others avoid alcohol) plus some appetizers that match your concept, and buy as much of them as possible, instead of stressing over offering guests too much choice. Nothing looks as generous and as festive than a bounty – I'd always prefer to arrive with a sink stocked with iced containers with reasonably priced crémant or cava than one glass of expensive champagne. (Chuck in some bags of ice, as well; you'll find never enough ice.)

Cocktails & Punch Made Easy

Should you demonstrate skills and provide a mixed drink, then prepare ahead a sizable amount in a pitcher so that you're not left busying yourself with preparation while you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a significant other or friend to keep an eye on it and refill if required till it runs out. Follow suit for the soft drink; guests appreciate to be given a job at a party so they can enjoy a share of festive spirit.

For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you choose (they abound via search), skip anything overly sugary – any kids present need kid-friendly options – and if it's available, place a bottle of bitters within reach (avoid adding them to the bowl as they are inappropriate for individuals abstaining from alcohol altogether). Take care with how it looks so the soft punch isn't perceived neglected; just spend a short time to cut a few rounds of citrus to the punch.

Snacks That Delight With Minimal Preparation

Personally, I'd skip the store-bought trays of "party foods" that appear at grocery stores at this time of year; they seem fussy, and often involve heating things up (if you must opt for these, be aware that all guests quietly favors garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). I truly believe nothing beats a couple of sizable containers of tasty crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), and, provided there are no issues, a package of great-value containers of mixed nuts typically found with global foods of supermarkets, along with some pitted olives as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover pits in your pot plants months later).

If, as my mother says, you think chips substantial fare, a single large piece of quality cheese served simply and crispbreads and some artfully draped grapes always looks artistic. A serving dish with some salted or prepared salami or salmon laid out there (only one type, except if money is no object), alternatively a handsome ready-made tart, like those that appear on deli counters at this time of year, is even more satisfying, while you truly can't go wrong by serving rustic slices of Italian bread, since there's no need for additional preparation.

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