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During the holiday period, while there is so much going on that even lively people might occasionally look forward to the quiet break in January, it's all too easy to overlook details. I'm sure I cannot be the sole person who's once felt startled back to reality while at my desk because of a message from someone wondering, "What time should we come us tonight?" Don't worry; if you're distracted, or simply prone to last-minute gatherings, I've got you covered.

The Secret to Great Parties

Above all, and I can't stress it sufficiently, whether you've planned for months or only 15 minutes, the most enjoyable parties are the most straightforward. What everyone expects is a good chat, a drink to sip, and sufficient food so guests do not feel like chewing something during the ride home. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, no one expects professional bartending, fancy catering or a live band.

The greatest parties tend to be the most basic. Still, a theme helps to disguise the fact you've just thrown the event together while coming after a long day.

Picking a Style to Direct The Preparations

That said, a theme can be useful to conceal the fact you have only put the party on on the way from the office. And by theme, I mean something like Christmas. Getting slightly focused (Nordic holidays, say, featuring spiced drink, spiced punch, fish snacks and flatbreads, folk tunes selection; or fiesta-style party, with traditional drink, cold beers and margaritas, and heaps of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and guacamole, with upbeat tunes playing) helps direct the selection on the necessary supermarket sweep.

Smart Shopping for Your Gathering

While shopping, choose one or two beverages (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not for some prefer not to) plus a couple of appetizers that match the theme, then buy as much of them as possible, instead of stressing over giving people a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and celebratory as a bounty – I would always rather to arrive by a container full of cold bottles with reasonably priced sparkling wine over one glass of fancy bubbly. (Add a few bags of ice, too; you'll find seldom sufficient ice.)

Cocktails and Large-Batch Drinks Simplified

If you feel the need to demonstrate skills and serve a mixed drink, then mix in advance a big quantity in a pitcher so you're not stuck faffing around with it when it's time to having fun. Once underway, enlist a significant other or volunteer to monitor it then replenish if required till it's gone. Apply the same for the alcohol-free option; people appreciate to have a job at a party so they can share in a share of festive spirit.

Regarding punch, whatever formula you choose (there are many via search), skip any recipe too sweet – young ones present should have separate beverages – and should you own one, put aromatic bitters close by (avoid adding them to the bowl as they are inappropriate for people who do not consume drinks entirely). Make an effort in presenting it so the non-alcoholic option doesn't seem neglected; it doesn't take a moment to cut several pieces of lemon or orange to the punch.

Nibbles That Delight With Minimal Preparation

For me, I'd skip the readymade platters with "party foods" available in shops at this time of year; they seem fancy, and often require heating things up (if you choose to go this route, be aware that everyone quietly favors garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I truly believe nothing beats two really big containers with decent chips (salted will offend no one), plus, assuming no issues, some of those big and excellent value packets of nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, with perhaps some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (try not to still be finding pits in odd places next Easter).

If, as my mother says, you think chips substantial fare, a single large piece of tasty cheese on a board and crispbreads and some elegantly arranged grapes always looks painterly. A platter with some salted or prepared salami or salmon laid out there (just one sort, except if money is no object), alternatively an attractive pre-made pie, of the type available in specialty sections at this time of year, proves more satisfying, while you truly won't fail with rustic chunks of focaccia, since there's no need for spreading butter.

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