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During the busy period, when there is so much going on which even vivacious individuals may occasionally anticipate a quiet respite in January, it is very easy to forget things. I believe I cannot be the sole one who's once been surprised awake at work by a text from someone asking, "What time should we come us later?" No worries; whether you're forgetful, and just prone to spontaneous plans, I've got your back.

The Golden Rule to Memorable Gatherings

Above all, though I cannot stress it sufficiently, whether you've organized for a year or only 15 minutes, the best events tend to be the most straightforward. What anyone is hoping for are a good chat, something to drink, plus enough food that guests do not feel like chewing an arm off during the bus back. If you're not you are a fictional millionaire, no one expects extensive drinks, fancy catering or a live band.

The best parties are the simplest. Still, a theme is useful to disguise the reality you've only put this thing together while coming back from the office.

Choosing a Theme to Focus The Preparations

Nevertheless, a theme works well to conceal that you have only put the party on on the way after work. And with a theme, think of for example Christmas. Getting slightly more specific (Swedish-style festivities, for instance, with mulled wine, warm beverage, smoked fish and flatbreads, Scandinavian music playlist; alternatively Latin American celebration, with traditional drink, refreshing lagers or cocktails, along with lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and avocado dip, and festive music in the background) helps direct your options during the necessary supermarket sweep.

Practical Purchasing for Your Party

While shopping, choose a drink or two (one alcoholic for those who do, a non-alcoholic one in case some prefer not to) plus some snacks that fit the style, then purchase a generous amount as you can afford, rather than worrying about giving people endless options. No thing looks more welcoming and cheerful than a bounty – I would consistently rather to arrive with a container filled with cold bottles with reasonably priced crémant or cava over a small serving of expensive bubbly. (Chuck in a few bags of ice, too; you'll find seldom plenty of ice.)

Cocktails and Party Beverages Made Easy

If you feel the need to show off and offer a mixed drink, make sure to mix in advance a sizable amount in a container so that you aren't left messing about with it when you should be enjoying yourself. Once the party begins, enlist a partner or volunteer to keep an eye on the drinks and top up if required until it's finished. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; people enjoy to have a job at a party so they may enjoy a share of goodwill.

Regarding punch, whichever recipe you go for (you can find plenty online), avoid any recipe overly sugary – children present ought to have separate beverages – and if you have one, plonk flavor enhancers close by (don't add any into the punch as they're inappropriate for those abstaining from drinks entirely). Take care with how it looks so the alcohol-free drink isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a moment to slice a few rounds of citrus to the punch.

Nibbles That Delight Without Effort

Personally, I would avoid the store-bought platters of "party foods" available in supermarkets at this time of year; they seem overly complicated, and usually require heating things up (if you choose to opt for these, be aware that everyone quietly prefers toasted bread or mini sausages regardless). It's my firm opinion you can't beat two really big bowls of tasty crisps (salted pleases everyone), and, assuming no dietary restrictions, a package of great-value bags of nuts typically found in the South Asian section of supermarkets, and maybe some ready-to-eat olives as a garnish (you don't want to discover stones in your pot plants months later).

If, as my mother says, you think snacks proper food, a single sizeable chunk of quality cheese on a platter and crispbreads and some artfully draped grapes always looks visually appealing. A platter with some preserved or ready-to-eat salami or salmon arranged there (just one sort, unless you have a large budget), or a nice pre-made tart, of the type available in specialty sections during festivities, is even more satisfying, while you really will succeed by serving rustic pieces of Italian bread, since they don't need buttering.

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