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In the busy period, when there's plenty going on that even vivacious people may occasionally look forward to the quiet break in the new year, it's very easy to neglect things. I believe I'm not the only person who has once been surprised back to reality at my desk because of an inquiry from someone asking, "What time do you want us tonight?" No worries; if you are distracted, and just prone to last-minute plans, I've got your back.

The Key to Memorable Gatherings

First and foremost, and I can't stress it enough, whether you've been planning for months versus only a quarter-hour, the greatest parties tend to be the easiest. All anyone is hoping for are a good chat, something to drink, plus sufficient nibbles so they don't end up gnawing an arm off on the bus back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, no one expects professional bartending, gourmet catering and musical performances.

The best parties are the most basic. Still, a theme helps to cover up the fact you have just thrown the party on while coming after a long day.

Selecting a Theme to Guide The Preparations

That said, a theme can be useful for disguising the fact you've only thrown the party on on the way from the office. And by theme, I mean such as a seasonal celebration. Getting a bit more specific (Scandinavian Christmas, for instance, with spiced drink, spiced punch, cured seafood plus rye crackers, Nordic beats playlist; or Latin American celebration, including traditional drink, chilled brews and cocktails, and heaps of snacks, spicy sauce & guacamole, with Luis Miguel in the background) can narrow the selection during the inevitable supermarket sweep.

Smart Buying to Support The Party

While shopping, choose one or two beverages (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some avoid alcohol) and a couple of appetizers that match the style, then purchase as much of them as possible, rather than stressing over offering guests too much choice. Nothing looks more welcoming and celebratory than a bounty – I'd always prefer to be welcomed by a sink stocked with iced containers with competitively priced sparkling wine than a small serving of expensive champagne. (Add some bags for chilling, as well; you'll find seldom enough ice.)

Beverages and Punch Streamlined

If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and offer a mixed drink, then mix in advance a sizable amount in a jug so that you aren't stuck faffing around with preparation while it's time to enjoying yourself. Once underway, enlist a partner or friend to watch the drinks then refill as necessary until it runs out. Follow suit with the alcohol-free option; people love to take on a task at a party allowing them to experience some of positive vibes.

On the punch front, whichever recipe you go for (you can find plenty via search), avoid anything overly sugary – young ones there should have separate beverages – and if you have one, place aromatic bitters nearby (don't add any to the bowl as they're unsafe for people abstaining from alcohol entirely). Make an effort with how it looks so the soft punch doesn't feel unimportant; it doesn't take a moment to cut a few rounds of citrus into the bowl.

Snacks That Delight Without Preparation

In my view, I would avoid the readymade assortments with "party foods" that pop up in supermarkets seasonally; they seem fussy, and often require turning the oven on (should you opt for these, be aware that everyone secretly favors toasted bread and/or small hot dogs anyway). It's my firm opinion it's hard to top several large bowls with decent chips (simple is universally liked), and, assuming no allergies, one of those great-value packets with nuts available in the South Asian section in stores, with perhaps a few ready-to-eat olives for color (it's best to avoid to find pits in odd places next Easter).

In case, as my mother says, you don't consider snacks proper food, a single sizeable chunk of good cheese on a board with crackers plus elegantly arranged fruit always looks visually appealing. A platter featuring salted or prepared meats or fish laid out there (only one type, except if you're wealthy), or a nice store-bought pie, like those that appear in specialty sections at this time of year, is even more satisfying, and you truly won't fail by serving homestyle pieces of focaccia, because they require no additional preparation.

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