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During this holiday season, while there's plenty happening which the most vivacious individuals might sometimes anticipate the quiet respite in the new year, it's all too easy to overlook details. I'm sure I cannot be the sole person who has once felt startled back to reality at my desk by a text from someone asking, "What time are we expected over tonight?" Don't worry; whether you're forgetful, and simply prone to spontaneous invitations, I've got you covered.

The Key to Successful Parties

First and foremost, and I cannot emphasize this enough, if you've organized long in advance versus only a short while, the most enjoyable parties are the simplest. All everyone expects are a good chat, something to enjoy, plus sufficient food so they don't end up chewing something during the ride back. Unless you're throwing a lavish ball, nobody expects extensive drinks, fancy food and entertainers.

The most successful parties are the simplest. That said, an idea is useful to cover up the reality you've only thrown this thing on on the way back from the office.

Picking a Style to Guide Your Shopping

That said, an overarching idea works well to conceal the fact you've just thrown this thing together while returning after work. And with a theme, I mean for example a seasonal celebration. Going slightly focused (Nordic holidays, say, with glögg, warm beverage, cured seafood and rye crackers, Scandinavian music playlist; or Mexican Christmas, including holiday punch, cold beers and margaritas, and heaps of tortilla chips, salsa and avocado dip, with upbeat tunes playing) helps direct the selection during the necessary supermarket sweep.

Strategic Shopping to Support Your Event

While shopping, pick one or two beverages (an alcoholic option for drinkers, a non-alcoholic one in case some don't want to) and a few snacks that match your concept, then purchase as much of them as you can afford, rather than worrying about offering guests endless options. Nothing appears more abundant and celebratory than abundance – I would always rather to enter by a sink filled with cold bottles with competitively priced bubbly than a single glass of fancy champagne. (Add several packs of cubes, as well; you'll find never plenty of ice.)

Beverages and Punch Streamlined

If you must show off and offer a special beverage, make sure to pre-mix a big quantity in a pitcher so that you aren't left messing about with drinks while it's time to socializing. After starting, enlist a partner or volunteer to monitor the drinks then refill if required until it runs out. Do the same for the alcohol-free option; guests appreciate to be given a job at a party so they may share in the positive vibes.

For large-batch drinks, whichever recipe you go for (there are many via search), skip any recipe too sweet – young ones present should have their own drinks – and if you own one, plonk flavor enhancers close by (refrain from putting them to the bowl as they're not suitable for those who do not consume drinks altogether). Make an effort with presentation so that the non-alcoholic option isn't perceived neglected; it doesn't take a moment to slice some slices of lemon or orange into the bowl.

Food That Delight With Minimal Fuss

In my view, I recommend passing on the readymade platters of "party foods" that appear in shops during the holidays; they come across as overly complicated, and often involve heating things up (if you must opt for these, remember that everyone secretly favors garlic bread and/or cocktail sausages anyway). It's my firm opinion nothing beats a couple of sizable dishes with decent chips (plain salted pleases everyone), and, provided there are no dietary restrictions, some of those large and economical bags with nuts often sold with global foods of supermarkets, with perhaps a few olives without stones for color (it's best to avoid to find pits around the house next Easter).

If, like my mum, you feel crisps proper food, one large piece of good cheese on a board and crispbreads and some beautifully placed fruit always looks artistic. A platter with some cured or cooked meats or fish arranged there (only one type, except if money is no object), or an attractive ready-made pie, like those that pop up at delis seasonally, proves more substantial, while you truly won't fail with rustic pieces of flatbread, since there's no need for additional preparation.

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