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During this festive season, while there's so much going on which the most lively people might occasionally anticipate a quiet break in the new year, it's very simple to forget things. I expect I cannot be the sole person who's once felt startled awake while at my desk because of a message by a friend asking, "What time are we expected over later?" No worries; if you are forgetful, or simply prone to last-minute invitations, I've got your back.

The Key to Great Gatherings

Above all, and I cannot stress this enough, whether you've been planning long in advance or only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties tend to be the easiest. What anyone is hoping for is pleasant conversation, something to sip, plus enough food so guests don't end up gnawing something on the bus home. If you're not you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates a full bar, Michelin-starred food or a live band.

The most successful gatherings are the most basic. Still, a theme helps to cover up the reality you've only thrown this thing together while coming home from work.

Choosing a Style to Guide Your Preparations

Still, a theme works well for disguising the fact you've just put the party on on the way from the office. By concept, I mean something like the holidays. Going a bit focused (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks plus rye crackers, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, including ponche navideño, cold beers and margaritas, along with plenty of corn chips, salsa and avocado dip, with upbeat tunes in the background) can narrow your choices on the necessary grocery run.

Strategic Purchasing for The Party

At the shops, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one for some prefer not to) plus some snacks suited to the theme, then buy as many within your budget, instead of fretting about giving people endless options. Nothing looks more welcoming and celebratory as plenty – I would consistently prefer to enter by a tub full of iced containers of reasonably priced sparkling wine over one glass with fancy champagne. (Add several packs for chilling, as well; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)

Beverages & Large-Batch Drinks Streamlined

If you must impress and offer a mixed drink, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a jug so that you're not stuck messing about with drinks when you ought to be socializing. Once the party begins, enlist a significant other or friend to keep an eye on the drinks and refill when needed till it runs out. Do the same for the non-alcoholic punch; guests enjoy to be given a task during gatherings so they can experience a share of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whatever formula you choose (you can find plenty online), avoid anything overly sugary – children present need kid-friendly options – and if it's available, put a bottle of bitters nearby (don't add them into the punch since they are not suitable for individuals who do not consume alcohol altogether). Make an effort in presenting it so that the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; just spend a moment to cut several pieces of fruit for garnish.

Food That Delight Without Preparation

In my view, I'd skip the pre-made trays of "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets during the holidays; they feel fancy, and usually involve using the oven (if you choose to do this, be aware that all guests truly prefers herb bread and/or mini sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several really big bowls with tasty snacks (plain salted will offend no one), plus, provided there are no allergies, some of those large and economical containers with nuts available in the international aisle in stores, along with some olives without stones as a garnish (it's best to avoid to discover stones around the house in the future).

If, as my mother says, you think chips substantial fare, a single big slab of quality cheese on a board and crispbreads plus artfully draped grapes always looks artistic. A serving dish featuring preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish laid out on it (a single variety, except if money is no object), alternatively a handsome store-bought pastry, of the type that pop up at delis seasonally, is even more satisfying, while you really can't go wrong with artisanal pieces of flatbread, since they require no spreading butter.

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