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During this busy time, when there is plenty happening which the most energetic individuals might sometimes long for a quiet break of January, it is all too simple to overlook things. I believe I cannot be the only one who's ever been jolted back to reality at my desk by an inquiry by someone asking, "What time should we come over later?" Don't worry; if you are absent minded, or simply prone to last-minute plans, I have your back.

The Golden Rule to Memorable Get-Togethers

First and foremost, and I can't stress this sufficiently, if you've organized long in advance or only a quarter-hour, the best events tend to be the easiest. What everyone is hoping for is engaging talks, something to drink, plus enough to eat so guests don't end up gnawing their arm on the ride home. If you're not you're a fictional millionaire, no one expects professional bartending, fancy catering or entertainers.

The greatest gatherings tend to be the easiest. Still, an idea is useful to disguise the fact you have only thrown the event together on the way back from the office.

Choosing a Concept to Direct Your Preparations

Nevertheless, a theme is helpful to hide that you have just thrown the party together while returning after work. And with a theme, I mean something like Christmas. Getting slightly more detailed (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with glögg, warm beverage, smoked fish and flatbreads, folk tunes playlist; alternatively fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, refreshing lagers and tequila drinks, and heaps of corn chips, spicy sauce & avocado dip, with Luis Miguel in the background) can narrow the selection during the necessary shopping trip.

Strategic Purchasing to Support The Gathering

In the store, select one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not for some don't want to) and some appetizers that fit the theme, and buy a generous amount as you can afford, instead of fretting about offering guests too much choice. No thing looks more abundant and as festive as abundance – I would consistently rather to arrive by a tub full of iced containers with competitively priced sparkling wine than one glass of expensive champagne. (Add some bags for chilling, too; you'll find never plenty of ice.)

Beverages and Punch Simplified

If you must demonstrate skills and provide a mixed drink, make sure to mix in advance a large batch in a pitcher so you're not stuck busying yourself with preparation when it's time to having fun. Once the party begins, ask a close friend or volunteer to watch the drinks then top up if required until it's finished. Do the same for the alcohol-free option; guests love to be given a job while socializing so they can experience a share of goodwill.

Regarding punch, whichever mix you choose (there are many on the internet), avoid any recipe overly sugary – young ones present need kid-friendly options – and should it's available, place aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting them to the bowl as they're inappropriate for people abstaining from alcohol entirely). Make an effort with how it looks so that the soft punch doesn't seem unimportant; just spend a moment to cut a few rounds of fruit for garnish.

Snacks That Delight Without Fuss

For me, I recommend passing on the readymade trays with "party foods" that appear at grocery stores at this time of year; they feel fancy, and frequently involve using the oven (if you must opt for these, be aware that all guests truly favors herb bread and/or small hot dogs regardless). I'm convinced you can't beat a couple of large dishes with decent crisps (plain salted pleases everyone), plus, assuming no allergies, some of those large and economical packets of nuts available in the international aisle in stores, with perhaps a few olives without stones for colour (try not to discover stones around the house months later).

If, as my mother says, you don't consider crisps real food, a single big slab of tasty cheese on a platter with crackers plus beautifully placed grapes often appears painterly. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat meats or fish laid out on it (a single variety, unless you have a large budget), or a handsome ready-made tart, similar to that appear on deli counters seasonally, is more satisfying, and you really won't fail by serving homestyle chunks of Italian bread, because there's no need for buttering.

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