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Throughout this festive time, when there is a lot happening which the most vivacious people might sometimes long for a calm respite in January, it's very easy to overlook things. I'm sure I cannot be the only person who has once felt startled back to reality while at work by a message from someone asking, "What time do you want over tonight?" Fear not; if you're absent minded, or simply prone to last-minute plans, I've got some solutions.

The Key to Memorable Get-Togethers

First and foremost, though I cannot stress this sufficiently, whether you have planned for months or only a short while, the most enjoyable events tend to be the easiest. All everyone expects is a good chat, something to drink, plus enough food that they don't feel like gnawing their arm on the bus home. Unless you're Jay Gatsby, no one anticipates extensive drinks, fancy catering or musical performances.

The most successful parties are the easiest. Still, a theme is useful to disguise the reality you've just thrown the party together on the way after a long day.

Choosing a Style to Guide The Preparations

Nevertheless, a theme can be useful to conceal that you've only thrown the party on on the way from the office. And with a theme, think of something like a seasonal celebration. Getting slightly focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring mulled wine, warm beverage, fish snacks plus rye crackers, folk tunes selection; alternatively fiesta-style party, including holiday punch, cold beers or cocktails, along with lots of snacks, spicy sauce and guacamole, with Luis Miguel playing) can narrow your choices during the inevitable shopping trip.

Strategic Buying for Your Gathering

At the shops, select a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option for those who do, one not for others avoid alcohol) and a couple of nibbles suited to the style, then get as many within your budget, rather than fretting about providing a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and celebratory as abundance – I'd always prefer to be welcomed by a tub full of chilled bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine than a single glass with swanky bubbly. (Add a few bags of cubes, too; there is never enough ice.)

Drinks and Party Beverages Made Easy

If you must demonstrate skills and offer a special beverage, make sure to mix in advance a large batch in a pitcher so that you aren't left busying yourself with drinks when it's time to socializing. Once underway, request a significant other or friend to keep an eye on it then top up when needed until it's gone. Do the same for the soft drink; guests appreciate to be given a job at a party so they may enjoy the goodwill.

On the punch front, whichever formula you go for (they abound via search), skip any recipe excessively sweet – any kids there ought to have their own drinks – and should it's available, place aromatic bitters close by (refrain from putting them in the mix since they are inappropriate for those who do not consume alcohol altogether). Make an effort with presentation so the non-alcoholic option doesn't feel like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to slice some slices of citrus to the punch.

Nibbles That Shine Without Fuss

For me, I'd skip the store-bought trays with "party foods" that appear in supermarkets at this time of year; they feel fussy, and usually involve using the oven (if you must opt for these, be aware that everyone truly likes toasted bread and/or mini sausages regardless). I'm convinced nothing beats two sizable bowls with decent chips (plain salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no issues, some of those large and economical bags of mixed nuts typically found in the South Asian section at the market, along with a few olives without stones for colour (it's best to avoid to find stones in your pot plants in the future).

In case, as my mother says, you think chips real food, one large piece of good cheese on a board and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes always looks artistic. A plate featuring salted or prepared salami or salmon displayed there (just one sort, except if you have a large budget), or a nice store-bought pastry, of the type that pop up on deli counters during festivities, proves more filling, and you truly won't fail by serving artisanal chunks of Italian bread, because there's no need for spreading butter.

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