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In this holiday season, while there's so much happening which the most vivacious individuals might occasionally anticipate a calm respite in January, it's all too simple to overlook things. I expect I cannot be the only one who has once felt startled awake while at my desk by a text from someone wondering, "What time are we expected us tonight?" No worries; whether you are absent minded, or simply likely to make impromptu invitations, I've got some solutions.

The Secret to Great Parties

Above all, and I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you have planned for a year versus only a short while, the best events are the easiest. All anyone is hoping for is engaging talks, a drink to drink, plus sufficient to eat that guests don't feel like gnawing an arm off on the bus back. If you're not you are throwing a lavish ball, no one anticipates professional bartending, Michelin-starred food or a live band.

The most successful parties are the most basic. That said, a concept helps to mask the reality you have only put this thing on on the way back from the office.

Choosing a Style to Direct Your Preparations

That said, a theme works well to conceal that you have only put the party together on the way home from work. And with a theme, I mean such as Christmas. Going a bit more specific (Nordic holidays, for instance, featuring spiced drink, aromatic cocktail, smoked fish plus flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively Mexican Christmas, with holiday punch, cold beers or margaritas, and plenty of snacks, salsa & guacamole, with Luis Miguel in the background) helps direct your choices during the inevitable shopping trip.

Smart Purchasing to Support Your Event

In the store, pick a couple of drinks (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) plus a few nibbles that fit the style, and buy a generous amount as possible, instead of stressing over providing a wide selection. No thing looks more welcoming and as festive than a bounty – I'd always prefer to enter by a tub full of cold bottles with affordable sparkling wine over one glass with fancy champagne. (Include several packs for chilling, as well; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)

Beverages and Party Beverages Simplified

If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and offer a mixed drink, then pre-mix a big quantity in a container so that you aren't left faffing around with preparation when you should be having fun. Once the party begins, request a partner or helper to watch the drinks and top up as necessary till it's finished. Follow suit with the non-alcoholic punch; people appreciate to take on a task while socializing so they may enjoy a share of goodwill.

For large-batch drinks, whichever mix you choose (there are many via search), avoid any recipe overly sugary – children there need separate beverages – and should you have one, put a bottle of bitters close by (refrain from putting any into the punch as they are inappropriate for people who do not consume alcohol altogether). Take care in presenting it so that the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a moment to add several pieces of lemon or orange to the punch.

Nibbles That Work With Minimal Effort

Personally, I recommend passing on the store-bought assortments of "party foods" available at grocery stores during the holidays; they come across as fussy, and often require heating things up (should you do this, know that all guests quietly favors herb bread or mini sausages anyway). I'm convinced it's hard to top a couple of really big bowls with decent chips (plain salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no allergies, one of those large and economical bags with nuts often sold in the international aisle at the market, with perhaps a few olives without stones for colour (you don't want to find stones in odd places next Easter).

In case, similar to some, you feel chips substantial fare, a single large piece of tasty cheese served simply with crackers and some beautifully placed fruit tends to seem painterly. A platter featuring cured or cooked prosciutto or seafood displayed on it (just one sort, except if money is no object), or a handsome pre-made pastry, like those available at delis seasonally, proves more substantial, and you really can't go wrong by serving rustic chunks of focaccia, since there's no need for spreading butter.

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