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Throughout the busy season, when there is so much happening that the most vivacious people may occasionally look forward to the quiet break in January, it is very easy to neglect details. I expect I cannot be the sole person who's ever felt surprised back to reality at my desk because of a text by a friend wondering, "What time are we expected over tonight?" No worries; if you're forgetful, or just likely to make last-minute plans, I've got you covered.

The Golden Rule to Successful Get-Togethers

Firstly, though I cannot emphasize it enough, if you've organized for a year or only a short while, the most enjoyable parties are the most straightforward. All anyone expects are a good chat, something to enjoy, and enough to eat that guests do not end up gnawing something on the bus home. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, no one expects a full bar, fancy catering or entertainers.

The most successful gatherings tend to be the most basic. However, a concept helps to disguise the reality you have just thrown the event together on the way after a long day.

Picking a Theme to Guide Your Preparations

Nevertheless, an overarching idea works well for disguising that you have just put the party on on the way after work. And by theme, think of such as Christmas. Going slightly focused (Scandinavian Christmas, say, featuring spiced drink, warm beverage, cured seafood plus crispbreads, Nordic beats playlist; or fiesta-style party, with traditional drink, cold beers and cocktails, and lots of tortilla chips, spicy sauce and green spread, with upbeat tunes in the background) can narrow your options during the inevitable shopping trip.

Strategic Purchasing to Support The Event

While shopping, pick a couple of drinks (an alcoholic option if you drink, one not for others avoid alcohol) and a few nibbles that fit the theme, and purchase as much of them as possible, rather than worrying about giving people a wide selection. Nothing appears as generous and celebratory as a bounty – I'd always prefer to arrive with a container stocked with chilled bottles of competitively priced crémant or cava than a single glass of fancy bubbly. (Add several packs for chilling, as well; there is never sufficient ice.)

Drinks & Large-Batch Drinks Simplified

Should you impress and serve a mixed drink, make sure to prepare ahead a large batch in a pitcher so you aren't left messing about with preparation while you ought to be enjoying yourself. Once underway, request a close friend or helper to monitor the drinks then top up as necessary until it's gone. Follow suit for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to have a role during gatherings so they may enjoy some of festive spirit.

On the punch front, whichever formula you choose (you can find plenty on the internet), steer clear of anything too sweet – young ones there need kid-friendly options – and should you own one, place aromatic bitters within reach (refrain from putting any into the punch as they are not suitable for those who avoid alcohol entirely). Take care with presentation so that the soft punch isn't perceived like an afterthought; it only takes a moment to cut a few rounds of lemon or orange into the bowl.

Nibbles That Shine Without Preparation

For me, I recommend passing on the pre-made assortments of "party foods" that appear in supermarkets during the holidays; they feel overly complicated, and usually require using the oven (if you must go this route, know that everyone quietly prefers herb bread and/or cocktail sausages regardless). I'm convinced you can't beat two really big dishes with good-quality chips (salted is universally liked), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those big and excellent value packets of nuts typically found in the South Asian section in stores, with perhaps a few pitted olives as a garnish (you don't want to still be finding stones in your pot plants next Easter).

If, similar to some, you think snacks real food, one large piece of good cheese served simply alongside crackers and some elegantly arranged grapes always looks visually appealing. A serving dish with some cured or cooked salami or salmon laid out on it (only one type, except if money is no object), alternatively an attractive ready-made pie, like those that appear on deli counters at this time of year, proves more filling, and you really can't go wrong with homestyle chunks of Italian bread, because there's no need for additional preparation.

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